Mr. Dave Hornback, age 81, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mr. Hornback was born on December 9, 1943, in Cairo, Illinois to the late William Hornback and Beulah Martin Hornback. Dave was a proud graduate of Murray State University and served his country through in the United States Army. His love of learning and history led him to the classroom, where he taught in Hodgenville and Lowes, Kentucky, shaping young minds with patience, curiosity, and a genuine passion for education.
He went on to serve the Hickman County community as a 4-H agent, encouraging and mentoring local youth, before beginning a long and respected career with the Federal Land Bank in Clinton, Mayfield, and Elkton, Kentucky. Dave also shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor in the Department of Agriculture at Murray State University. He later worked at the Bank of Murray and ultimately retired from the Murray Bank, where he played an integral role from its very beginning and was deeply proud of the work he helped build.
A man of faith and service, Dave was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Murray, Kentucky. He gave generously of his time over the years as a member of the Lions Clubs in Clinton, Mayfield, and Murray; as treasurer of the Murray Parks Board; as a member of the American Heart Association; and as past president of the Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation and Alumni Association. He was also deeply committed to supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, honoring his wife Marilyn’s memory through his dedicated fundraising efforts. His commitment to his community, his alma mater, and the people around him was evident in everything he did.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Charlton Hornback; one son, Michael Hornback; a brother, Charles Hornback; as well as five sisters, Doris Frazier, Judy Wagner, Billie Jean Hart, Nancy Estes Hornback, and Jane Renfer.
Survivors include one daughter, Kristen Hornback Riggs and husband Taylor of Franklin, Tennessee; daughter-in-law, Kristin Duncan Hornback of Lexington, Kentucky; one sister, Pat Leker of Lake Villa, Illinois; as well as four grandchildren, Jackson Riggs, Ainsleigh Riggs, Cooper Riggs and Duncan Hornback.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Brett Miles and Rev. Jim Stahler officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Nashville Chapter, care of Mimi’s Minions and Teddy’s Champions 1801 West End Avenue, Suite 200, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. http://act.alz.org/goto/mimisminions-hornback
Online condolences can be made at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com
Murray
| Dec. 09, 1943 | Nov. 21, 2025
The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services
201 South Third Street
Murray, Kentucky 42071
Email : jhchurchill@yahoo.com
Phone : 270-753-2411
Murray, Kentucky 42071