Truman Echols Hornsby

Truman Echols Hornsby – Born Sanford, Florida, November 12, 1963 – Died Austin, Texas, September 2, 2014

Truman was just 50 years old on September 2, 2014, when his battle with cancer ended and he entered Heaven. He had the fighting spirit of his father Michael D Hornsby and mother Mary Morris Hornsby.

This spirit is the strength of the Hornsby heritage and is what his ancestors proved, while helping to create and settle Waterloo, Texas. Waterloo was later to become Austin. His Hornsby/Drake forefathers founded Hornsby's Bend and created the Calcasieu Lumber Companies, among many other contributions.

Truman's father, Michael, was a US Navy pilot and graduate of the US Naval Academy. Michael lost his life, while on duty during the Vietnam era when Truman was only a year old.

Truman, his brother Michael, and his mother then returned from Florida to Texas and Truman attended Casis Elementary School and graduated from St. Stephens School. Truman excelled in sports including football and baseball. He later attended the University of Texas. During this time, he pursued his many talents, one of which was woodworking. Truman was a true artist from a very young age and took creativity to a new level in everything he showed an interest in.

Truman delighted in helping his brother Michael. He taught him how to read, how to play ball and mostly to "never give up"

When not creating or doing for others, he had many pursuits. He was the ultimate "outdoorsman". While living in Lake Tahoe, California, he skied, hiked, biked, kayaked, and totally wrapped himself in nature. His latest great pleasure was golf.

Truman had great charm and that kind of smile and demeanor that anyone could feel close to and comfortable in his presence. He also had the rare courage to live exactly the way he wanted to live and made no apologies. Truman's great soul and character leaves behind a presence that can never depart this realm through his family and the multitudes of friends he accumulated.

Truman is preceded in death by his father Lt. Michael Daniel Hornsby, grandparents Lonnie Echols and Rosemary Hornsby, and Dr.Truman and Julia Drake Morris.

Truman is survived by his loving mother and brother Mary Morris Hornsby and Michael Daniel Hornsby Jr; his long-time devoted companion Melinda (Mel) Martinez; aunts Rebecca Hornsby Tipler, Melinda Hornsby Wofford, Margaret Morris Wilkerson, Judy Morris Covert; uncle Nick Morris; and his first cousins John and Ted Wilkerson, Kim Morris Ross, Trey Morris, Bobby Morris, Mike McIntyre, Julie McIntyre Warrenburg, Jenny McIntyre Smith, Catherine McIntyre Harper, Kevin and Ted McCloskey, Dylan Wilson, Rachel Wofford Finken, and Sam Wofford.

Additionally, Truman is survived by many other family members and dear friends including Tracy Miller, Steve Ogden, Russell Coffee, Page Ragland, Brad Crafts, Adam Compton, Mel's siblings Yolanda Rueda, Barney Martinez, Armando Martinez, Margaret Martinez Gibbs and Mel's niece and nephews Tres, Icela, Garon, Austin, and Asa. Also much loved by Truman were his and Mel's dogs Gizmo, Lola, and Luisa.

Services will be held Sunday, September 7, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at Hornsby Cemetery located on FM 969 in Hornsby Bend, east of Austin. Parking on the cemetery grounds is limited but a shuttle service will be available from the parking lot of Greater Swenson Grove Baptist Church, 10,000 FM 969. The church is located on the north side of FM 969, about a quarter mile west of the cemetery. Please dress casually.

Memorial gifts may be made to Special Olympics Texas, or charity of your choice.

We love you very much and words can never do you justice for what you have meant to us here.

We are happy your pain is over and you will be picking up your faithful dog "Rusty" to go see your Dad.

Son, you were always a joy in my life.