Thomas Horinek, age 79, of Elgin, IL, passed away on July 2, 2025.  He was born October 14, 1945 in Lorain, OH to John and Marjorie (née Cook) Horinek.

Tom graduated from Clearview High School in Lorain, Class of 1964.  Later that year, he joined the United States Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War.  He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1968.  He earned several awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and he was a member of the C-130 Hercules One Thousand Hour Club and the Order of the Wounded Herky.  After discharge, he worked in the paint department of the Ford Motor Company for 30 years, before retiring in 1999.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Jean Field, on March 4, 1967.  They were happily married for over 58 years.

Tom never met a stranger—he could strike up a conversation with anyone, and before long, he’d be sharing a fish tale, a story from the golf course, or a memory from his time in the Air Force. His stories were always lively, full of laughter, and laced with wisdom from a life well lived.

Tom was the kind of man who would go out of his way to help others without hesitation. Whether it was lending a hand or sharing his faith, he lived by example—guided by a deep love for God.

Tom found great joy in the simple pleasures of life: casting a line on Lake Erie, playing a round of golf with friends, traveling to new places, and most of all, spending time with his family.  His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He never missed an opportunity to tell others about the God he loved and served. He was a member of the Elgin Evangelical Free Church.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marjorie Horinek; biological father, Art Stozer; daughters, Joanna and baby girl Horinek; and brothers, Jack Horinek and Gary Stotzer.  He is survived by his wife, Sandra Horinek; daughter, Karen (Steve) Liebold; siblings, Bonnie (Bruce) Wolfe, Art (Linda) Horinek, and Christeena Cook; and grandchildren, Amanda, Rachel, and Zack Liebold.

Visitation will be 10:00am until funeral service at 12:00pm, Monday, July 14, 2025, at Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain, OH 44055.

Interment with military honors to follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, 44805 N. Ridge Road, Amherst, OH 44001.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tom’s name to The Gideons International.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.