It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Matthew Horinek, Jr., announce his peaceful passing on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Lincoln, NE at the age of 78.
He was born September 28, 1944, in Stratton, NE, to Paul, Sr., and Helen Mary (Mazanec) Horinek. Paul graduated from Atwood High School in 1962 and attended Wichita Technical Institute where he received a drafting degree to pursue a top-secret job at Lockheed in California. In 1974, Paul came home to Atwood to manage the family farm for 3 years until moving to Colby where he worked in many different trades before settling at T.O. Hass as a mechanic for over 20 years.
Paul enjoyed collecting antiques, singles dances, and spending time with his family and friends. There wasn't a day that he didn't crave his mom's cherry kolaches, poppyseed rolls, or the passed-down recipe of the hot water chocolate cake with maple frosting.
Paul will always be remembered for his ornery character, his sense of humor, and his gracious, giving heart. He definitely was the backbone of his family and will be missed greatly.
Paul took great pride in his love for Pontiac cars, International Scouts, and Club Cadet tractors. But ultimately, the greatest love he had was his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren, who will inherit the love of tinkering on small engines, rebuilding block motors in the living room, and laying rubber at the 9-mile corner to make sure the cobbs were blown out. Give 'em hell Paul, we will take over from down here.
Paul was preceded in death by his father and brother Joe A. Horinek.
He is survived by his mother Helen; children, Matt (Stacy) Horinek, Sharon (Jeff) Towery, Stephanie (Randy) Mae and Diana (Adam) Flagg; grandchildren, Derian (Jordan) Baker, Brock Horinek (Sophia Burton), Braydon Horinek (Kaylyn Atkinson), Lauren (Justin) Roemer, Korey Ladenburger, Kyler Semple, William “Clayton” Miracle, Ian Hawkins, Maggie (Austin) Coss, Johnny and Jackson Remigio, and great grandchildren, Ruby Holm and Colson Coss.
Visitation is 4-6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, KS. The funeral service is at 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby, with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials may be made to the Paul Horinek Memorial Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com