Stephen Douglas Hornung

Stephen Douglas Hornung, age 72, passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2022 due to complications during surgery at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. 

He is survived by daughter Cheri (Brian) Meyers, grandchildren Meaghan and Brandon Meyers and great-grandson Bentley Ell.  Also remembering him are his siblings: Nancy Derenburger, Dan (Windy) Hornung, Eric (Susan) Hornung, Janet (Todd) Zahler and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Orlando and Virginia Hornung and his second wife Jill Nelson.

The second oldest of five children, Steve was born in the month of January, 1950 in Portsmouth, OH.  He graduated from Grandview Heights High School in 1968, where he was a member of the Bobcat Varsity track team, wrestling and choir.  Soon after graduating, he married Kathy (Hager) Hornung and joined the United States Air Force. Along with his wife, child and family dog (Mindy), his career would take him to a variety of locations across North America, including assignments in Alaska and Canada. 

During his Air Force career he also enjoyed playing music at the base NCO club as a disc jockey.  He and Kathy were known for hosting fun home parties for their friends, and taking long Sunday drives along the scenic route in his beloved MG Midget convertible.  During his time with the Air Force, Steve earned an Associates of Arts degree at Rollins College.  Then after 22 years of service, he honorably retired from military service in 1991 with the rank of Technical Sergeant.  Steve was proud of his career in the Air Force and enjoyed speaking to other service members, especially those who were assigned duty at locations known as radar sites.  He was a member of the Air Force Radar Museum Association.

Upon retiring from the military, Steve returned to Columbus, OH and began working for the Ohio Highway Patrol as an emergency dispatcher.  He retired permanently after 10 years of service.  After his 36 year marriage ended, he began a new chapter in his life when he married his second wife, Jill.  They loved traveling, visiting coastal towns and trying to see as many light houses as possible.  Steve enjoyed annual gatherings with his mother and siblings at a variety of Ohio State Parks, with Lake Hope being his favorite.  After Jill’s death from carcinoid cancer on July 15, 2017, Steve remained living in Reynoldsburg, OH with their three rescue dogs.  Health problems kept him mainly homebound.

His family gives thanks to God for the salvation Steve has been given through his faith in Jesus.  Steve has asked that his and Jill’s ashes be scattered at a special place. 

A celebration of life for Steve will be held on Sunday, August 28th at Cypress Church located at 377 Alton Darby Creek Dr., Galloway, OH 43119.  Friends and family should park in the North Lot and look for the memorial signs.  Calling hours are 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM with the event beginning at 3PM.  Flower donations are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, you may also consider a donation to the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation at carcinoid.org