Joseph Edward Hornsby III's Obituary
Was born October 17, 1946 in Austin, TX. He graduated from Austin High School in 1964 and Texas Tech University in 1969 with a Masters degree in English Literature. At Texas Tech, Joe was a member of the Army ROTC Tyrian Rifle Team and member of Sigma Chi National Fraternity. He was also a professor of literature at Texas Tech. In 1969, Joe was married to Elaine Splawn from Mesquite, TX. He also joined the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in Fort Carson, CO as a tank commander at the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Joe received an honorable discharge in 1971. After his service, Joe worked at Southwestern Life Insurance, becoming the youngest Vice President of the company. On March 1, 1985 Joe became a State Farm Insurance agent in Mesquite, TX, where he lived for over 37 years. Joe valued community service and was an active participant in many local service organizations in Mesquite. Joe married Sherry Wilhelm June 23, 2008. Joe and Sherry were college sweethearts . After 44 years, Joe and Sherry found true love again. Joe valued his family and friends. He was a devoted father who loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Edward Hornsby II, mother, Zella Mae Peterson and brother, Fred Grant Hornsby. He is survived by his wife Sherry, his children Leslie and Mark Noble and Kelly and Jody Long, his grandchildren Scott and Jenna Glotfelty and Adam and Abigail Long; his brothers and sisters Vern and Donna Martin, Edmond “Dude” Martin and Chris and Raelayne Pauling. Joe was a sixth generation Texan. His ancestors Reuben and Sarah Momson Hornsby settled in Texas on October 16, 1832 with a land grant of 4500 acres from Stephen F. Austin. Their land grant was at the northern most tip of Austin’s Colony. They built the first home in what is now Travis County. Joe loved his state and his country. Visitation will be held from 6-8PM, Friday, December 12, 2008 at Anderson Clayton Chapel, 1111 Military Pkwy, Mesquite, TX. Services will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday at Anderson Clayton Chapel. Graveside service 4PM Hornsby Cemetery, FM 969 (1/4 mile west of FM 973) Hornsby Bend, TX. Donations may be made in the honor of Joe to the American Cancer Society.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?