Wayne Hornbeck, avid bowler
Wayne Hornbeck joined the angels in heaven Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at age 89, having lost his battle with heart failure. Wayne was born March 9, 1932, to Bertha (Gelsinger) and Frank Hornbeck in Decatur Ill., the town he called home for much of his life.
Wayne grew up in hard times but enjoyed his childhood through sports; he was a great runner, filling in for others to run the bases on his baseball team. He talked of treasured memories at the town’s roller rink.
Wayne proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Afterward, he managed the Pla Mor Bowling Lanes in Decatur for many years. He was an avid high-scoring bowler and participated in many tournaments, traveling throughout the United States. Bowling became a favorite pastime even after retiring to Angola Beach Estates in Lewes. He only stopped playing when his back pain hampered his ability to score well for his team.
Well-liked, community-minded and competent, Wayne was vice president of the board of directors in Angola Beach Estates. When he moved to Oak Crest Farms, he served as vice president of the board and was a member of the by-laws committee. He was an active member of the Elks Club on Beaver Dam Road, and also served as a reliable election clerk at the Coolspring Presbyterian Church election site on Log Cabin Hill Road.
It is often said that we’re best remembered through the words offered by others in our lifetime. Those who knew Wayne noted that he never complained or gossiped; that he was a kind gentleman who displayed the finest of manners. He was a gentle soul too, whose smile lit up a room. He was a wise and humble man who quietly shared the lessons he learned from his long and well-lived life. His mind was keen, and his spirit was positive and steady. Wayne’s employees revered him because he led by example, never raising his voice, never asking his staff to do what he wouldn’t do. He was appreciated for listening to the ideas of those he supervised and focusing on achieving the business goals with a team effort.
Wayne was a master bartender, a role in which he earned the trust of his clientele and a quasi-counseling credential! “I listened to so many secrets, and I kept them all!”
Wayne’s grandson chose him to be his best man, remembering Grandpa’s guidance delivered in words and common sense that could be understood and trusted by a child. Wayne continued his grandpa specialty when his younger grandson was afraid of the dark. Calmly and gently, Wayne reassured the boy that he was safe, a message of comfort and courage that many adults in Wayne’s life sought from him.
Wayne saw the best in others, he lent a hand when someone needed assistance and he lived his Mondays through Saturdays in accordance with the gospel he heard at Mass on Sunday in Mary, Mother of Peace. Wayne was the same person, no matter the company he shared. He loved his poker pals, his family, his neighbors and colleagues, and he was loved back for his goodness and wholesomeness.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Doris; son, Tim (Linda); grandsons, Corey Anderson and Michael Hornbeck; and three great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two stepdaughters, Angela and Joanna; three stepgrandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Wayne was predeceased by his first wife, Terry and her daughter, Dorothy “Sam” Warren. He is survived by her son, Fred Hertrich. Wayne raised Sam and Fred as if they were his own.
Wayne was the youngest of seven siblings. He was predeceased by Marie Jewell, Harold Hornbeck, Irene Gill and Evelyn Vaugh; he is survived by Velma Landan and Frank Hornbeck.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, April 25, at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church. All family and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Wayne’s name to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, heart.org.
