William Andrew Hornbaker's Obituary
Wow! What a reunion with his wife Jo Ann it must have been for Pastor Andy Hornbaker, on the date of his passing…as his children, we only wish we could have witnessed it. Our beloved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend, Andy Hornbaker of Cottonwood Heights passed away on Tuesday February 28, 2023. As he slipped away peacefully with all seven of his children by his side. His dear wife Jo Ann passed away two years prior to Andy in February 2021; setting up this highly anticipated heavenly reunion.
Andy was born August 16, 1932 in Fayetteville Arkansas, but he grew up in his hometown of Kingman Kansas with his three sisters and two brothers. Andy ran track for the Kingman Eagles, where he sat a school record in the 1 mile run that lasted almost 40 years.
He met His beloved wife, Jo Ann (Rhodes) Hornbaker, at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. Although he did not attend KU, he was a lifelong, enthusiastic Kansas Jawhawks fan.
Along with his Bachelor of Arts from Pittsburg State, Andy also received a Masters of Divinity degree from The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary of Fort Worth, Texas along with his other Masters in counseling from Pittsburg State University.
Andy and Jo Ann were married in 1954 and would spend the next 67 years building an incredible life and family together. They were blessed to have seven gorgeous children: Andy Jr., Sharon, Ron, Connie, Karen, Stan, and Steve. Andy was also blessed to have twelve grandchildren and three great grandchild, all of whom will greatly miss his patriarchal wisdom, love and distinctive humor.
Andy was a Southern Baptist minister for almost 70 years. He moved to Utah in 1980 and pastored The Holladay Baptist and The Alta Canyon Baptist churches, among other Utah Baptist churches. Through the years, Pastor Andy spoke in Baptist churches all over the United States. He never wavered in his faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a member of Alta Canyon Baptist Church in Sandy Utah. Dad was a gentle giant; he was always ready to help anyone at the drop of a hat. He was curious and genuinely interested in getting to know people. His first words to any waiter or waitress was, “Where did you go to high school?”. He then proceeded to ask all kinds of embarrassing questions. He was loved by all! Once again we wish we could have been there to see Mom and Dad’s reunion!
Our family plans to have memorial service for both our dad and mom on June 20th at Risen Life Church, at 2780 E 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Baptist Concern Center, 1235 West California Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 8414
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