Herbert Horacek

Herbert Horacek, 98, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, surrounded by love. In a moment that felt like a gift, all five of Herb's children were home together for Christmas for the first time in nearly fifteen years. He was deeply joyful knowing everyone was under one roof, celebrating the season and one another-a happiness that stayed with him until the end. Herb was born on January 24, 1927, in Iowa, to Anton and Elsie Horacek (née Gutle). As a young man, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, stationed in the Pacific. After the war, he attended the State University of Iowa, earning a degree in mechanical engineering-a foundation for a career that would quite literally help shape history. After college, Herb headed west in search of opportunity, bound for California. A stop in Arizona changed the course of his life when he applied for and accepted a position with Garrett AiResearch. Arizona became his permanent home, and at Garrett he contributed his talents to some of the most significant aerospace achievements of the 20th century, including the Apollo missions, the Space Shuttle program, and the Stealth Bomber. In 1956, Herb married Charlene Perkins, and together they adopted two daughters, Sandy Fox and Laurie Williams. After Charlene's passing in 1965, Herb later found love again and married Marilyn Taggart (née Thomas) in 1969. With Marilyn and her children-Erin Phillips, Jody Howell, and Mike Taggart-they blended their lives into a close, loving family that remained the center of Herb's world. A lifelong "engine and car guy, " Herb had a deep love for anything mechanical. He also enjoyed trains, travel, and adventure. When the children were young, camping was the family's favorite way to explore, with memorable trips up and down the West Coast. As empty nesters, Herb and Marilyn expanded their travels, visiting the Holy Land and taking an unforgettable three-month RV journey along the East Coast. Herb and Marilyn were devoted members of First Southern Baptist Church in Scottsdale, where Herb served faithfully as a deacon, taught Sunday school, and shared his musical talent by playing the violin in the church orchestra. His faith was central to his life; Herb had a deep, personal relationship with God and lived with quiet strength, humility, and unwavering belief. Herb is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his children and their spouses: Jody Howell; Mike Taggart (Renee Napoli); Sandy Fox (Janet Saenz); Erin Phillips; and Laurie Williams (Dean). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Hillary (Howell) O'Donnell, Casey Phillips, Justin Rivera (Haley), Joshua Fox (Cristine), Joel Fox; and his great-grandchildren: Connor and Chloe O'Donnell, Joshua Jr., Jaelyn Fox, and his brother Tony. Herb will be remembered for his brilliant mind, steady faith, gentle humor, and deep love for his family. His life was one of service-to his country, his church, his work, and most of all, the people he loved