After serving in the U.S. Navy on the USS Glennon, Bob attended Arizona State University and later was employed by Western Electric. His employment took him to North Carolina where he raised his children, and eventually worked for and retired from AT&T, after its merger with Western Electric.
Bob is survived by his life partner Joan Kulikowski of Archdale, North Carolina, daughter Wendy Spears and husband Tim of Burlington, North Carolina, son Scott and wife Kathy of McKinney, Texas, son Grant and wife Karla of Burlington, North Carolina, and son Lance of Whitsett, North Carolina. Bob also leaves his sister Elaine Crabtree of Arlington, Texas, nephew Bryan Hoernke of Payson, Arizona, and grandchildren Megan, Blake and Isabel Spears, Zoe, Sean, Isaac, and Eli Taylor, Tyler and Seth Hoernke, Brooke Hoernke and twins Aidan and Ariel Hoernke.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Hoernke, and his brother William (“Bill”) Hoernke.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 24, 2018 from 12:00-2:00 at Sechrest Funeral Service, 120 Trindale Road, Archdale, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SechrestFunerals.net for the Hoernke family.