Who is Homer Bannon (Granddad) from Horseman, Pass By and what is their importance? "Horseman

Granddad is an interesting character, because he is elusive, yet the story seems to revolve around him. In a way, Granddad functions as the stake holding Lonnie's leash to the ground. Once Granddad is dead, Lonnie has no reason to stick around. Granddad seems like a kind, good man from his treatment of Lonnie and his cattle. It is somewhat surprising, at Granddad's funeral, when Lonnie points out that Granddad has few friends, because he is not a kind man at all, but a hard, rugged cowboy.