Dawayne Ray Hornback

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dawayne Ray Hornback, who departed this life on Monday, April 21, 2025 at the age of 51 in his home in Nixa, MO.

Dawayne was born on April 2, 1974 in Springfield, MO to Thomas (Tom) and Rhonda Hornback. He had one younger sister, Tara. A beloved son, brother, and friend, he was known for a good laugh, his love of various genres of music, online games with friends, but mostly kept to himself.

Dawayne graduated from Nixa High School in the class of 1992. He Graduated from the Drury Law Enforcement Academy in December 1996. Attended Drury College, now Drury University in Springfield, MO studying Criminal Justice and Psychology, from August 1996 to December 1997, when he went to work full-time in law enforcement. Dawayne was a Springfield (MO) Police Cadet, ending his tenure as a Captain in 1995. He was an officer in Crane and also Pleasant Hope. He was a security officer at Cox Health. Then moved to Las Vegas, NV and joined law enforcement there for a brief time. He decided that was a drastic change compared to little ‘ol Missouri so he began to work at Bally’s Casino as security instead. He had a passion for law enforcement that made a significant impact on him. He would later attend online courses to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from University of Phoenix in 2012. He came back home to Nixa and worked at EDCO in medical record documentation. Then moved to Florida continuing to work in medical record documentation at Health Port. Then after his first heart attack while in Florida, he moved back home to Nixa once again. In his younger years, Dawayne loved to bowl. He earned a 299 award bowling at Century Lanes in Nixa on a Wednesday night travel league but stopped bowling before he could get that 300. Dawayne had a dry but funny sense of humor and most times you could not tell if he was serious or joking. He loved movies, gaming, music, and a variety of TV shows. He was loved dearly and will hold a special place in all our hearts and minds forever and always.

He is survived by; his mother, Rhonda Hornback, Nixa; his father, Tom Hornback, Ozark; his sister, Tara (Damond) Conley, and nephew, Bryce, Highlandville; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Billie and Donald Hornback and maternal grandparents, Vivian and Charles Kipp, and one aunt, Ann Varner, second cousins Lt. Colonel Michael Abajian, Clayton (Clay) Abajian.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 17th at Aldersgate Church 460 W. Aldersgate Dr., Nixa, MO 65714 from 10:00am to 11:00am, followed by a celebration of life service directly following visitation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Luke’s Foundation @ https://saintlukesgiving.givevirtuous.org/donate Donate - Virtuous Giving or https://www.saintlukeskc.org/saint-lukes-foundation Saint Luke's Foundation | Saint Luke's Health System, and navigate to the DONATE button and make your secure donation in honor of Dawayne.