Carl D Hornbuckle

Carl DeWayne Hornbuckle, 81, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away at his home on March 2, 2026. He was born May 26, 1944, in Ottawa, Kansas, to James Maxwell Hornbuckle and Ruby Oneita (Hoover) Hornbuckle.

A lifelong resident of Ottawa, Carl attended Lincoln Elementary School and Ottawa Junior High School before graduating from Ottawa High School with the Class of 1962.

Carl began his construction career while still in high school through the Trade and Industry class. From 1961 to 1972, he worked for PEL Construction Company (Parks, Elder & Loyd), later known as Loyd Builders.

Carl had a passion for drag racing and proudly held a national record with the American Hot Rod Association in the mid-1960s. He set the national eighth-mile record with a time of 8.64 seconds, averaging approximately 80 miles per hour. His best quarter-mile time was 12.73 seconds at 111 miles per hour. His competitive spirit and love of speed reflected the same drive and determination he brought to every aspect of his life.

On October 1, 1967, he married the love of his life, Merry Dee Hahn at Ottawa, Kansas. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community.

In 1972, Carl and Merry Dee founded Hornbuckle Construction, Inc., which they operated until 2013. The company specialized in light commercial, residential remodeling, and custom homes throughout Eastern Kansas. Through decades of dedication and craftsmanship, Carl earned a reputation for integrity, precision, and quality workmanship. In addition to the construction company, Carl and Merry Dee operated a commercial cow-calf operation for over 40 years, working side by side throughout their marriage.

Outside of his work, Carl found great joy in the outdoors and in sharing those moments with the people he loved most. He cherished hunting and fishing, finding peace in the quiet of early mornings and the beauty of the Kansas landscape. He also embraced adventure, traveling to visit his daughter and family in Alaska, his son and family in Louisiana, New Mexico, and California, and his brother in Idaho. Carl loved four-wheeling and exploring back roads and open country, always appreciating the freedom and excitement it brought. Some of his most treasured moments were spent with his children and grandchildren—teaching, laughing, and simply enjoying time together. Whether it was a day outdoors, a ride through the countryside, or time gathered with family, these moments meant the world to him and created memories that will live on in the hearts of those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister, Beverly Ann Hornbuckle; and his brother, Gary D. Hornbuckle.

Carl is survived by his wife of the home, Merry Dee; his three children: Shawn Paul (Marlece) Hornbuckle (Overbrook, KS), Elizabeth Anne Hornbuckle (Anchorage, AK), and Scott Alan (Sara) Hornbuckle (Ottawa, KS). He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Cheyenne Ashley (Mario) Haag (Overland Park, KS), Katelyn Elise Hornbuckle (Englewood, CO), Sydney Nicole Hornbuckle (Olathe, KS), Journey Anne Hornbuckle (Anchorage, AK), Jaxson Finn Hornbuckle (Anchorage, AK), Brent Austin (Peyton) Hornbuckle (Hays, KS), Brittny Sky Hornbuckle (Ottawa, KS), and Cross Sterling Hornbuckle (Ottawa, KS). He was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of a great-granddaughter in June 2026.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear extended family, including his sister-in-law, Barbi Reed of Ketchum, ID; Aunt Bonnie Hoover and Scott Hoover of Hayward, CA; Sandy (Saul) Bromberger and family of Alameda, CA; Denise (Mike) Chambers, Junior and Rusty Paul, and Jan Oyer and family of Gardner, KS; Randy (Carla) Potter of Topeka, KS; Farold Dean (Tracy) Hoover and family of Oxford, KS; Sterling P. (Susan) Hornbuckle and their son, Sterling, of Dripping Springs, TX; Stephanie P. (Hornbuckle) Thompson, her mother, Linda Hornbuckle, and daughters Alexandra, Sydney, and Cat of Shawnee, KS; Darin Bitts of Blue Springs, MO, and his daughter, Korey (Dan) Bowden, of Ottawa, KS; and Jeral A. (Darcy) Haha and their children, Sierra and Vance, of Louisburg, KS.

Carl will be remembered for his strong work ethic, steady presence, deep love for his family, and the legacy he built with his hands and heart. His impact will live on in the homes he built, the land he worked, and the family who loved him dearly.

Family will greet friends from 11:00am until 1:00pm, Monday March 9, 2026 at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 South Hickory Street, Ottawa, Kansas, followed by a funeral service at 1pm. Interment will take place 2pm at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas.

A celebration of life for Carl D. Hornbuckle will immediately follow the burial at 3326 Marshall Rd., Ottawa, Kansas. Dinner will be provided as family and friends gather to share stories, memories, and celebrate Carl’s life together.

To share your memories of Carl or to send a special condolence message to his family, please visit the guestbook below.