Obituary of Frank Henry Hornbeck

STAMFORD — Frank Henry Hornbeck, 82, of 138 West Main St., Stamford, went to the loving arms of Jesus, his Savior, on Nov. 17, 2012, at his residence. Frank was born Dec. 23, 1929, in Harpersfield, the son of Henry and Dorothy (Wickham) Hornbeck. Frank graduated from Stamford Central School in 1949, a chartered-member of the Oquaga Chapter of the National Honor Society. He first met his future bride during his senior year, marrying Bette North on July 21, 1951. They enjoyed 60 plus years of devotion to one another, leaving him broken hearted when Bette predeceased him on March 12, 2012. A lifelong resident of Stamford/Harpersfield area, Frank was a farmer until age 40. The second half of his career, he used his many talents in a sundry of jobs including managing Speedling Greenhouses, self-employed handyman and his last position which he retired from, maintenance supervisor at Stamford Central School. Following his retirement, Frank and Bette enjoyed 10 winters in the Sanford, Fla., area, making many new friends and experiencing southern senior living. At the age of 45, Frank, responding to the call of God on his life, moved his family to Salisbury Center, to attend Pinecrest Bible Training Center. He graduated two years later and was ordained a Minister of the Gospel. Frank was pastor for a short time of a small fellowship in Stamford but found his true calling in being the "Aaron," the supporting minister of a senior pastor. He fulfilled this call in the Stamford Baptist Church where he was a member for the past 30 years. Frank taught many Bible studies and Sunday school classes over the years, pouring into the lives of the young, the old and all those in-between. Frank was active in the community throughout his life having served on the Stamford Central Board of Education, past member of the Stamford Fire Department, he helped develop the concept of CORE VALUES, served on the CORE board of directors and volunteered in the fix-it shop. Frank was also president of the Stamford chapter of Full Gospel Business Men (FGBMFI). Frank's life and activities revolved around his family and his faith, both of which he valued greatly. He will be missed by so many wonderful friends, too numerous to list. Frank is survived by his four children: Tom and Pat Hornbeck, Harpersfield; Joe and Deb Hornbeck, Jefferson, Mariellen and Chip Meyers, Stamford and John and Sheila Hornbeck, Wirtz, Va. Also his nine grandchildren: Nancy and James Milea, Becky and Will Terry, Lisa and Wayland Jester, Chad Hornbeck, all of Stamford, Jason and Hanna Hornbeck, Decatur, Heather Hornbeck, Oneonta, Frank D. Hornbeck, U.S. Navy, Okinawa, Japan, Nicole and Lynn Hornbeck, Wirtz, Va. His stepgrandchildren: Brain Wehmeyer and Jennifer Wehmeyer, Jefferson and James McCune, Virginia. His great-grandchildren: Brooke, Christi, Kylee, Thomas, Kendra and Savannah. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Carl and Noreen North Jr., Casselberry, Fla., and Joseph and Lucille Carretta, Springfield, Va. Frank was blessed with many nieces and nephews, all of whom he held special in his heart; Dian, David, Wayne, Nicci, Henry, Maria, Christopher and Heather. He is also survived by cousins and many great-nieces and -nephews as well. He was predeceased by his parents and three sisters: Marian Smith, Ellen Carretta and Velma DuBois. Special thanks to Catskill Area Hospice, Delhi office, team of caregivers … you are angels here on earth, making the difficult bearable … and YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Calling hours will be at MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at the Stamford Baptist Church, 40 Lake St., Stamford, with the Rev. Waylen O. Bray officiating. Burial will be in the Harpersfield Cemetery following the funeral service. Following the burial there will be a reception luncheon at the church. Contributions in Frank's memory may be made to the Stamford Baptist Church, P.O. Box 358, Stamford, NY 12167 or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart.