Robert E. Horneker, 78, passed away in the early morning of Nov. 5, 2018, at Cannon Inn, surrounded by his family. He was born July 26, 1940, to Edward and Bertha (Schuchart) Horneker, in St. Louis, and grew up on the family dairy farm in St. Louis County, along the Meramec River.

Robert was a faithful member of Central Presbyterian Church and a 50-year member of the Columbia Lodge 534 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Pacific, Mo. He attended Park College in Parkville, Mo., before transferring to the University of Missouri, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. He held various positions over his working life in St. Louis, Litchfield, Ill., Troy, Ill., and Granite City, Ill. In 2007, after retirement, Robert and Mary moved to Terre Haute to be closer to their family. In his free time, he enjoyed photography, bicycling, wood working, and reading history and mystery novels.

He was preceded in death by his parents; aunts; and uncles.

Robert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary (Gatton) Horneker of Terre Haute; his daughter, Beth (Kevin) Christ of Terre Haute; two grandchildren, Peter and Caroline; two brothers, George (JoAnn) Horneker of Paragould, Ark., and Ralph (Bev) Horneker of Perryville, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Central Presbyterian Church, 125 N 7th St, Terre Haute, on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, Heartland Hospice or a favorite charity.

Online condolences can be made online at: www.roselawnfunealhome.net.