Gary Wayne Hornbuckle, 81

Gary Wayne Hornbuckle, 81, passed away at his home on Aug. 16, 2021.

Gary was born in Bell Gardens, California, on March 29, 1940, to Guy and Odessa Hornbuckle. He and his sister helped each other through life and neither of them had it easy. Throughout his life he worked for many people and did all kinds of construction jobs. He and his siblings worked hard for what they had.

He started his own business that was called Hornbuckle and Sons Construction. Through five marriages Gary didn’t have any children besides with his last wife, Betty Hornbuckle. Betty and Gary went on to have a 25-year marriage and conceived six children together. Candice, Allen, Nevada, Gary, Megan and Michael were their names. From there they both raised us kids and were selfless to give us kids everything we needed to survive.

Gary lived a very full life. He saved a lot of people from going down wrong roads in life. He just helped. Everytime we needed something, or for whoever needed it, he went without so we could have.

Here is a poem that is fitting for this engagement! It’s called “The Broken Chain.”

“We little knew that morning God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, and in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you're always our guide, and though we cannot see you you're always by our sides. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.”

Tell Mom we love her and say hello to God for us. We are right behind you Dad, we love you forever!

Gary’s famous words were “It is what it is.” God love him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Odessa Hornbuckle, his wife Betty Hornbuckle, and son Gary Jr. who passed of SIDS.

He is survived by his children, Candice (Chad) Vergeront and their children Camryn, Colton and Cody; Allen and his children Harper and Penelope; Nevada and his child Vai; Michael and his child Serenity; and Megan Hornbuckle.

An open house celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Columbia Mortuary.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.