Homer Lee Hackett

Homer Lee Hackett passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Houston, TX, at the age of 93. He was born in Richter, KS, on October 9, 1931 to Mabel Ellen Tompkins Hackett and Milo R. Hackett. He grew up the eldest of 8 siblings, although he had an older brother, Loren Arthur that was stillborn.

In 1936, his dad, Milo, bought 120 acres for $5/acre and moved the family to Willow Springs, MO. Homer started school in 1st grade at Noblet, a one room schoolhouse. Growing up, Homer and his siblings enjoyed swimming at Noblet Lake and exploring caves. One of his first jobs, in high school, was as part of a firefighter crew watching for fires from Blue Buck Tower and helping put out fires for $1.25 per hour.

His family moved to Melvern, KS, in 1943 and then back to their farm in Willow Springs, MO, a few years later. Homer graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1949, then attended Emporia State University, where he met the love of his life, Doris Riggs. After graduating in the Spring of 1954 with his degree in Chemistry, he was drafted into the Army Third Cavalry Division just after the end of WWII. He pulled border patrol between East and West Germany as a tank gunner of a M41 Walker Bulldog light tank.

In 1957, Homer and Doris were united in marriage at the First Baptist Church, Wellington, KS. They resided in Ponca City, OK, and both worked for Conoco Chemicals. Their daughter was born in 1970 and in 1971 they transferred to Lake Charles, LA, where Conoco had just opened a new VCM plant. Homer worked there for 38 years.

Homer was a chemist, scientist, intellectual, rockhound, astronomer and the most generous, kind, and positive person. He loved unconditionally and was a romantic at heart. He was a master at trivia board games and card games, especially his favorite card game Pitch. He also loved to read. James Oliver Curwood and Zane Grey were his favorite authors.

Homer was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Doris Riggs Hackett, his siblings Loren Arthur, Harlan, Helen Dee, Howard Dale, and George Eldon.

He is survived by his daughter Barbara Jean Ellender, son-in-law Mark Ellender, grandsons: Christopher Lee and Michael Thomas Ellender, all of Houston, TX, his sister, Donna Jordan (Howard) of Peabody, KS, and brother, Harvey Hackett (Mary Beth) of Willow Springs, MO, and over 200 nieces and nephews (including great and great-great nieces and nephews) and countless other loved ones.

Funeral services for Homer will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, Wellington, KS. Interment will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens, Wellington, KS. A reception and meal will be served at the church following the interment. Attendees are welcome to join the family at the reception.

A viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, in the Chapel of the funeral home. His family will be present to receive guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to the Amputee Coalition, 25 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home. Contributions can be given online at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FV3PQAYVFEJSC

Share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, KS 67152.