Joe Nathan Hornbeak Jr.

On August 25, 2024 in Pearland, Texas, our family patriarch, Dr. Joe Nathan Hornbeak Jr., was called home to be with his heavenly family at the age of 81. Born in Marietta, Oklahoma to Joe Nathan Hornbeak Sr. and Christine Jones Hornbeak on March 26, 1943, Joe Jr. was the oldest of seven sons. According to Joe Jr., life in Marietta was filled with the love and protection of family, having fun with cousins, learning about his family history from aunts and uncles and living in a close-knit community. In 1961, he graduated from Marietta High School as an accomplished student and star athlete. Because of the example set by his mother’s baby sister and aunt, Betty Lou, Joe Jr. continued his education at Langston University.

A proud alumnus of Langston University, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Elementary Education in 1966. Dr. Hornbeak furthered his education at Southwest Missouri State University in 1968 by receiving a Master’s Degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and School Administration. His academic journey culminated in 1988 when he earned his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma.

Dr. Hornbeak held numerous esteemed positions throughout his career, including Principal at Langston University Laboratory School in Langston, OK; McKiney Elementary School in Liberal, KS; Gardiner Elementary School in Wichita, KS; Western Village Elementary School , John Adams Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, Rogers Middle School and Jones High School in Oklahoma City; Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Okmulgee Public Schools in Okmulgee, OK; Acting Dean, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Langston University in Langston, OK; and Acting Chairman of the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. He was known for his strategic vision and passion for student success, leading school improvement initiatives, developing innovative curricula, and mentoring young educators.

A recognized leader in the education community, Dr. Hornbeak was celebrated for his ability to transform underperforming schools and implement effective educational practices. His honors included: Who’s Who among students in American Colleges (1966); graduated Cum Laude from Langston University (1966); Doctoral Study Grant, Oklahoma State Reagents for Higher Education (1976-78); Fellow, U/E/A Program, Atlanta, Georgia (1984-86); Fellow, Leadership, Liberal, Kansas (1987); Superintendent’s Special Award, Oklahoma City Public Schools (1993); Middle School Principal of the Year, Oklahoma City Public Schools (1995); and Fellow, HIGH/SCOPE Trainer-of- Trainers Program, Clinton, Michigan (2001).

Dr. Hornbeak’s dedication to education extended beyond the classroom. His professional memberships included: Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators, National Alliance of Black School Administrators, National Association of Elementary Principals, Oklahoma City Elementary Principal’s Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Phi Delta Kappa, Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (OAHPERD), and National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE). He also served as a Moderator for a Seminar on Violence in the Community. His scholarship and community service were well regarded and his legacy will continue to inspire those in the fields of education and public service.

After his illustrious career, Dr. Hornbeak settled down in Pearland, TX. There, he was able to play lots of golf, spend time with his grandkids, enjoy Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice and Banana Pudding on demand. He would also travel to Baton Rouge, LA, Las Vegas, NV, and back to Oklahoma often to visit family, play more golf, and enjoy the casino offerings. He truly loved, was proud of and cherished his family. His one regret was that he wasn’t able to raise his family in the close-knit family environment that he grew up insulated and protected in.

Dr. Hornbeak is survived by his loving wife, Mildred Hornbeak, and his seven children: Monique Sanders Patterson (Ernest), Joe Nathan Hornbeak III (Arlene), Damon Lamont Hornbeak, Jerrone Lee Hornbeak (Denise), Dr. Daquant Nathan Hornbeak (Catherine), Dr. Jerrick Louis Hornbeak (Gwen), and Jaquay Matine Haynes (Meldrick). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Joshua Aisola, Janae Holguin, Joe Emanuel Hornbeak IV, Gerald Louis Sanders III, Daquant Nathan Hornbeak Jr., Kristine KennediRose Johnson (Hornbeak), Kamil Jolie Hornbeak, Sophia Hornbeak, Mark Samuels, Cayden Hornbeak, Ziothan Hornbeak and Cayleb Hornbeak. He is also survived by two brothers: Steve A. Hornbeak (Doreen) of Virginia Beach, VA and Gilbert R. Hornbeak of Spencer, OK; his two remaining aunts: Betty L. Williams and Hattie (Sue) McCarroll, and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Nathan Hornbeak Sr. and Christine Jones Hornbeak, as well as his brothers: Johnny Ray Hornbeak, Ronald Edward Hornbeak, Richard Cam Hornbeak, and David Keith Hornbeak. His unwavering commitment to his family, students, and colleagues will be remembered and cherished for years to come.