John Wesley Hornbeck
John was born in Hayden, Colorado, to Charles and Ruth Hornbeck and grew up in the Little Snake River Valley, in the region of Baggs and Savory, Wyoming. Looking to earn an honest wage at an early age, John started working in the construction business as a young teenager before he got his driver's license. His family later moved to Rawlins, where he graduated from high school in 1954. A gifted athlete, John attended Casper College and Brigham Young University on basketball scholarships, and he later attended Arizona State University to continue his studies.
In August 1959, John proudly entered the U.S. Army, serving until August 1961, earning a Good Conduct Medal. After his service, he married Judy Hansen in 1964, and shortly after, he graduated from Colorado State University.
John began his career with Kiewit in the mid-1960s, contributing to the construction of Interstate 80. In 1970, he and his family moved from Cheyenne to Sheridan, where he served as the area district manager for Kiewit until his retirement in the mid-1980s.
Beyond his professional life, John was an active and devoted member of his community.
He was involved with the Elks and the Shrine Clubs and served proudly as Kalif Temple Potentate in 1994. He cherished his time at the family ranch in Elk Mountain and was one of the University of Wyoming's most loyal fans, rarely missing a game or event and supporting The Cowboy Joe Club.
Family was the center of John's life. He and Judy proudly raised two sons, John David and Wesley Scott, and he was a devoted grandfather to Madeline and Maximilian, enthusiastically supporting their school and sporting events. After Judy's passing in 2004, John found companionship and joy with Peggy Anderson, whose friendship he treasured until her passing in 2021.
Known to some as "Jack," he was a friend to all who knew him. His fun-loving personality and big heart were two of his special traits. Through the years you could often find John sitting with buddies at the Shrine, having coffee with friends at Cowboy Cafe, or enjoying a meal at Sheridan's Rib and Chop House.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ruth; his brothers, Andy and Tom; his sister, Jo; his beloved wife, Judy; and his dear partner, Peggy. He is survived by his sons, David (Kim) and Scott (Keri); his grandchildren, Maddie and Max; and various nieces, nephews, in-laws, and longtime friends.
John will be remembered for his dedication to family and community, his deep pride in Wyoming, his unwavering love for the University of Wyoming, and the warmth and loyalty he shared with all who knew him.
Please share your favorite pictures of John at this link so a video can be put together for his celebration of life: https://www.tributeslides.com/up/56499028817942
A Celebration of Life will be held at a date yet to be determined.
John will be honored at Champion Kane Funeral Home with Military Honors on Monday, May 25th, 2026.
Online condolences may be written at https://www.kanefuneral.com/
Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.