Robert Floyd Hornbeck

Robert Floyd Hornbeck of Livermore died April 24. He was 91.

Hornbeck was born in Chicago, Illinois on Dec. 23, 1923. He served as an army pilot in World War II, during which he flew an A20 Havoc in many low-level combat missions. Later he became a B25 instructor pilot and re-enlisted to serve as a meteorologist in the Air Force. When he returned to civilian life, he attended the University of Chicago and graduated with a bachelor’s in chemistry in 1951.

Hornbeck married Loraine in 1949 and they moved to Livermore in 1962, where he worked as a radiochemist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for more than 40 years.

His time as a pilot in the war meant a great deal to him and inspired him to write a book entitled, "A Twin-Engine Pilot in WWII," which was published in 2003. In addition to writing, he enjoyed many hobbies, including astronomy, fly-fishing and backpacking.

Hornbeck is survived by his loving wife, Loraine; daughters, Gayle Staehle (George) of Dublin and Nancy Nelson (Craig) of Ben Lomond and three grandchildren, Joanna, Jennifer and Jasen Jacobsen. He was preceded in death by his brother Donald Hornbeck and sister Lucille Crosser.

He was an amazing husband, father and scientist whose wisdom, sense of humor and joyful nature touched many lives. His loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Friends and family are invited to come to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, California on Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m., where he will be laid to rest with full military honors. There will be a celebration of his life immediately following the services at a nearby restaurant.