John Ed Hornbeck

John Ed Hornbeck was born on August 22, 1926, in McCurtain County Oklahoma. He was the youngest of 10 siblings born to John Henry Hornbeck and Sarah Elizabeth Bell. John grew up in rural McCurtain County where he helped his parents on their farm. John enjoyed this life so much that, as an adult, he continued to return to his roots to visit family and help where needed.

John joined the army and shipped out to Boot Camp in California. As luck would have it, the War soon ended and he was quickly shipped home without seeing combat. John married Vera Helen Wallace in 1946 and of this union were born two girls, Carolyn Sue and Nelda Jane. John moved his family to California in 1953 in search of work and quickly found a job assembling airplanes. He then moved to Decatur, Texas to be closer to family and worked for Bell Helicopter. In the mid- 1950’s John divorced and moved his girls back to Oklahoma where he worked as a mechanic in his brother, Dave’s shop.

In 1964 John married the love of his life, Gloria. John and Gloria were inseparable. They both found jobs at Tinker Air Force Base and worked there until their retirement in 1987. John and Gloria enjoyed traveling. They took the grandkids to South Padre where they spent their winter vacation each year. After retirement they traveled extensively, living in their fifth-wheel for long stretches at Salton-Sea California.

In 1978 John’s life again changed in a monumental way when he became a Mason. He enjoyed his time in the Mason’s. He especially treasured the friendships that he made along with the community service of which he was a part. He told fond stories of the trips that he and his friends took in order to transport children to the Shriner’s hospital in Galveston and Shreveport. John was Past Master of Day Lodge #547 in 1984, Past Master of Goodwater Lodge #148 in 1996 and a member of Myrtle Lodge #145. He was a Perpetual Member of all 3 lodges. John was a KCCH in the Scottish Rite and a member of India Shrine. He was a true and faithful Brother.

John is survived by his daughters, Carolyn Sue Hornbeck of Moore and Nelda Lee of Oklahoma City; sister, Nora Freeman of California; Grandchildren, Bryan Morgan and wife Lisa of Moore, Donna Shockey and husband Johnny of Leedey, Laura Wahl and husband Scott of Mustang, Rebecca Russo and husband Frank of Camas, Washington, Jake Morgan and wife Lynn of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.