1937-2018
After a 5-month illness that confounded his doctors, and a two-week hospital stay, Jerry Hornbuckle died on August 8 of complications due to Dermatomyositis. A 55-year resident of Costa Mesa, California, he was employed as an engineer at Master Specialties/Eaton Corp until his retirement in 2000.
Jerry was born and raised in Canon City, Colorado, where he lived until he left for college at Western State in Gunnison, CO. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1958. His family background in the restaurant business and his experience as a cook in the Air Force resulted in a tradition of family dinners which he prepared every Sunday night.
Upon discharge from the Air Force, Jerry moved to Costa Mesa and enrolled at Orange Coast College where he earned his AA degree in drafting, leading to his ultimate career choice. In 1965 he and Mary settled into married life, giving the world two wonderful daughters. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Shelley (Raymond) Chretin and Amy (Brian) Simko, grandchildren Nick and Ben Chretin and Hayley and Jake Simko, along with sisters, Jackie Schmidt and Pat (Robert) White and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was "Mr. Neighborhood Watch" and one of the truly nice guys of the world. Always smiling and willing to lend a hand, he made friends wherever he went. He loved music, dancing, golf and socializing.
A celebration of his life will be held August 31 at 2 PM at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2200 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach, 92660. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to St. Mark Church Memorial Fund or to OCC Foundation, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, 92627.
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