WE REMEMBER:
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GEORGE FRANCIS was a lifelong resident of Lawrence, a local business owner with Francis Sporting Goods, and a fabulous trumpet player. George was active in many organizations, including the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Lawrence Association, the Masonic Lodge, the National Sporting Goods Association, the Lawrence Aquahawks, the Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club, and the Trinity Episcopal Church. George played his trumpet for over 70 years and was a life member of the American Federation of Music. He performed with The Jazz House Big Band, the Junkyard Jazz, several orchestras, and was band leader/owner of the Collegians band. And he was a long-time member of the Lawrence City Band, playing trumpet and climbing those gazebo steps for many years! George passed away in 2018, and the Lawrence City Band maintains a fund in his honor.
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MARION ROBERTS held a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from William Jewel College, a Masters in Music from Kansas State University, and a D.M.A. from the University of Kansas. He was Chairman of the Department of Music at Baker University from 1975-1985, and Director of Bands at Blue Valley North High School from 1986-2014. Marion was past president and charter member of the Kansas Bandmasters Association, KBA Outstanding Bandmaster, was twice selected by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as "One of Fifty Directors Who Make a Difference", and received many other teaching awards. He was inducted into the Kansas Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2017. And he was a long-time member of the Lawrence City Band, serving as lead euphonium player, associate conductor, and Chair of the Board of Directors! Marion passed away in 2021, and the Lawrence City Band maintains a fund in his honor.
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TOM HORNBAKER was a longtime member of the LCB’s clarinet section and its Board of Directors. He passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. Tom was born November 11, 1948, in Lawrence, the son of Allison and Arlabel Hornbaker. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1966 and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Kansas in 1973 and 1975. Tom served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1977. Tom spent the majority of his career with The World Company, from which he retired in 2022 after 28 years of service. He served in a number of volunteer roles in a variety of philanthropic organizations, including Junior Achievement, the Lawrence Schools Foundation board, the First Baptist Church (as treasurer), and the Lawrence City Band (performer and board member). He was a talented musician, playing the clarinet and saxophone in the Overland Park City Band, Lawrence City Band, KU's University Band, New Horizons band, and in the Foundation Follies. He was a founding member of the JazzHawks, treasurer of the Crossroads Wind Symphiny, and board member of the Free State Brass Band. In addition to his many musical endeavors, Tom enjoyed traveling, woodworking, cheering on the KU Jayhawks, and "putzing around the yard." Tom married Shelly Buxton on February 19, 1983, in Prairie Village, Kansas. They moved to Lawrence in 1994, where she still resides. Other survivors include sisters Ann Feinberg and Jean Winters, daughter Jaime Dupy (Matt Dupy), daughter Jennifer Hornbaker (Justin Krajci), son Alan Hornbaker, and grandchildren Hailey and Adam Dupy. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Tom to the Lawrence City Band via the Douglas County Community Foundation, 900 Massachusetts Street, Suite 406, Lawrence, KS 66044.
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FLORENCE REBECCA "BECKY" FOSTER known affectionately as “Beebe” by her grandchildren, passed away Monday May 19, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community member, Becky was a woman of extraordinary strength, deep love, and unwavering support. For many years, Becky’s various and sustained efforts on behalf of the Lawence City Band were integral to its success. Born in Houston, Texas, September 25, 1941, Becky graduated from Lamar High School. She then attended the University of Texas, where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bobby” Foster, then President of the Longhorn Band— the beginning of a love story spanning over six decades. Their courtship was uniquely intertwined with Texas history and politics, as Becky’s parents shared a close relationship with U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough. Through Becky’s introduction and the Senator’s assistance, the Longhorn Band was invited to perform at the inauguration ceremony of President John F. Kennedy. In 1961, Becky left the University of Texas to marry Bob and begin a life with him. Becky’s devotion to Bob, and her support of his distinguished academic and musical career, were cornerstones of their remarkable partnership. As Bob ascended to lead every major organization in the university band world, Becky stood beside him as his counselor and steadfast advocate. Among his many distinctions, Bob conducted the Lawrence City Band for many years. Their journey took them from Houston, Texas, to Gainesville, Florida, where they formed lifelong friendships at the University of Florida in music and academic circles, and in 1971 to Lawrence, Kansas, which would become their forever home. There, they raised their three children —Becky, Robert Jr., and Randall — and embraced all that Kansas life had to offer, from 4-H fairs to farm animals and especially the University of Kansas and the Fighting Jayhawks. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert E.; her daughter Becky Foster Egan and husband Peter, and their children Kieran and Cameron; her son Robert Foster Jr. and wife Kelley, and their children Dylan and Ragan; and her son Randall “Randy” Foster and wife Emily, and their daughters Harper and Stella. Becky will be remembered as a quiet force of nature, one who built others up, found joy in their achievements, and lived a life defined by love, loyalty, and grace. Donations may be made in Becky’s memory to the KU Endowment Association for the Foster Band Scholarship, whose home is KU Endowment.
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