Booker T Hornbeak, Jr.

Booker T. Hornbeak, Jr. aka “Botchie” entered into the world on Christmas day December, 25, 1936.  He was the fifth child of Booker T. Hornbeak, Sr and his wife Annie Lee Hornbeak.  One can only imagine the shock on the other children’s faces when they got a new baby for Christmas instead of toys, candy and fruit, hence the beginning of the jokester he turned out to be.

​On June 13, 2020, at the age of 83 Botchie made a peaceful transition to his eternal resting place.  To know him was to love him, and he is missed by his family, his friends, his neighbors, his medical attendees, etc.

​Botchie knew cars inside and out and worked as a mechanic most of his life.  He went to work for Oklahoma Natural Gas Company in 1970, and started as a Garage Attendant.  He was named Automotive Mechanic in 1974, before becoming a Master Mechanic in 1987.  He held this position until he retired after 21 years of service.

​Botchie loved to fish, hunt, fish, work on cars, fish, listen to the blues, fish, go bowling, fish, talk smack to people and fish. Botchie was a giving and free spirited individual who always did things his way.  When he bowled on his company’s bowling team he would buy several raffle tickets and when he won he would take everyone out for a steak dinner. One of his favorite past-times was to let up his garage door on Sunday afternoons and listen to the Blues.  If it was cold he had his heater on and if it was hot he had the fan blowing.  He did not like staying indoors.

Botchie was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings James Hornbeak, Rhodell Hornbeak, Robert Hornbeak, Richard Hornbeak, Sylvia Riley and Ruby Snipes.

​Botchie leaves to cherish his memory, his special friend and companion Brenda Lewis, his children Saundra Kay Dillard (Ricky), Felicia Bennett, Janise Maxwell, and Rodney Hornbeak.  He also leaves memories and future stories to be told with 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grand children and 4 great-great grandchildren.  He leaves fond memories with 3 siblings George Hornbeak, Leon Hornbeak and Linda Ferguson as well as a host of other family members including nieces and nephews, friends and long-term neighbors.

​Botchie told family his middle name was Christopher or Christian and one of his grandchildren was specifically named after him and he said one of his great-great grandchildren had his name.  Prior to locating his birth certificate an inquiry was made with his brother who said “no, I believe they called him that because he was born on Christmas day.”  Once his birth certificate was located his official birth name was Booker T. Hornbeak, Jr.  He came in with a joke and went out with one.  May he make heaven laugh.