Thomas Gene Hornberger

THOMAS G. HORNBERGER, 87, a Fort Wayne native, passed from this life to the next on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, at his home. He was born Feb. 28, 1928, in Fort Wayne, a son of the late Carl and Myrtle (Kinerk) Hornberger. He graduated from South Side High School. He attended Kalamazoo College, then transferred to Indiana University where he received a B. S. in Business. He served for two years in the Air Force during the Korean war. After the war, he worked for Lincoln National Life Insurance Company for 37 years, retiring in 1991. He was a member of Waynedale United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post 296. On Sept. 15, 1951, Tom married Marilyn Earhardt. They had a wonderful life of adventures together until Marilyn passed away on June 12, 1998. "Tom was a devoted husband and father who was always involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren." He had a special love of music and ballroom dancing. Tom and Marilyn spent many years attending concerts and ballroom dancing, as well as sports events and traveling. He was an avid Indiana University basketball fan. He also volunteered for many years as a greeter at the Fort Wayne Airport. "He was a loving and generous man who enjoyed his life to the fullest, even in the midst of illness. He will be greatly missed." Surviving are his children, Gary of Fort Wayne and Sheril (Scott) Kelly of Kalamazoo, Mich.; three granddaughters whom he dearly loved, Caitlin, Megan, and Allison; brother, John (Jack) of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; and two brothers, Richard (Dick) Hornberger of Fort Wayne and Jim (Terri) Hornberger of Idaho. Respecting his request, cremation has taken place. Memorial Service is 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, with calling one hour prior.