John Wayne Horinek

WICHITA, KS - John Wayne Horinek, 77, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born on February 16, 1948, in Colby, Kansas, the son of Edward and Waunetta (Edgett) Horinek. He graduated from Atwood High School in 1967, having spent the last two years of high school single-handedly managing the family farm. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Korea until 1968 before returning to the States to join the Army Reserves.

Following his military service, John pursued a passion for western life, working as a rancher and horse trainer across the western states. Notably, he trained John Wayne's horse, Dollor, for the famous fence jump scene in the movie True Grit, during which time he had the opportunity to meet his namesake, John Wayne. John was also an accomplished rodeo rider, competing in bareback, saddle broncs, and bull riding. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo but was unable to compete due to an injury sustained from a bull. He continued riding in rodeos until the 1980s. Later in life, John worked as a roofer, spent time at JI Case, and eventually became a truck driver, retiring as a dedicated owner-operator.

John was married twice, first to Katherine Allen and later to Bonnie Bonewell. He found the enduring love of his life in Christie Ransom. Though they were never formally married, they were engaged for 44 years until her passing in February 2022.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Edward E. Horinek and Waunetta G. Schenewerk; his beloved partner, Christie Ransom; his daughter, Shelly M. Surbaugh (2004); and his brother, Donald Horinek (1968).

He is survived by his children: Cheri Koehn (Scott), Heather Reeves (Kristopher), John Jr. Ireland, John Ransom (Christine), James Ransom, Jim Maske, and Christine Huntoon (Eddie); and his son-in-law, Glen Surbaugh. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Lorance and Lonnie Hanson (Johnnie); twenty-two grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren (with two on the way); and countless other family members, friends, and individuals to whom he served as a father figure.

John was a strong and brave man who touched many lives with his great stories, many talents, and adventurous spirit.

In accordance with his wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. Instead, a "celebration of life" will be planned and announced later in the spring. His ashes will be buried at a later date in Atwood, KS.