Joe R Horkey

Joe Rice Horkey peacefully passed away January 22, 2026, at the age of 96. Joe was born in Flandreau, South Dakota to William E. Horkey and Clara Doris Rice. His grandfather Joseph, whom he was named after, immigrated to the United States in 1838 from Czechoslovakia.

Joe grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was active in sports and loved working on motorcycles and cars. He attended Oklahoma University and played on the football team from 1948 to 1950. Under the leadership of coach Bud Wilkinson; the Sooners won the National Championship in 1950 at the Sugar Bowl.

After graduating with a degree in Geology, Joe began working in the oil and gas industry for Phillips Petroleum Company. In 1952, he married Ann Rippel and they resided in many states before settling in Lubbock, Texas in 1958.

Joe operated Horkey Oil Co. and Plains Gas Co. He served as President for the National Oil Jobbers Association and Texas Oil Marketers Association. He also served on several boards in Lubbock, including; Methodist Hospital, Plains Capital Bank and the Lubbock Independent School Board. Joe was very involved in his church and served as a Deacon of St. Paul’s on the Plains Episcopal Church.

Joe was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing his wealth of knowledge with his friends. He and his wife, Ann, enjoyed traveling the world, playing tennis, golf, snow skiing and were both involved in the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Texas Tech.

Joe is preceded in death by his brother, William R. Horkey and his wife, Ann Horkey.

Joe is survived by his children Kathryn Horkey-Wolff, Susan Horkey, Rip Horkey and wife Nancy, Rice Horkey and wife Kathy, along with his adored grandchildren Travis Wolff, Ashley Collins (Logan), Trey Horkey (Chelsey), Kelsey Horkey and Kenneth Horkey. He loved his great-grandchildren, Grace, Corbin and Owen Collins, London, Jude and Rhodes Horkey and Kassidy Horkey.

Services for Joe are scheduled for Thursday, February 5th at 4:00 p.m. at Saint Paul’s on the Plains Episcopal Church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Lubbock and his caretakers, Tammy, Debbie and Eva. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Pauls on the Plains Episcopal Church, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice.

Joe Horkey’s legacy of love, service and knowledge will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in Peace Dad, We Love You.