Our Rotary meeting on Thursday, August 22 was profoundly sad and a difficult one to get through.  Rex Horst… our friend, colleague, mentor and this year’s President, passed away earlier that week.  All of us still in shock and a state of disbelief, we gathered together to be close to each other and share our grief.  We hugged each other.  We told each other “you matter to me”.  We shared stories about Rex.  “Rex saved my life bringing me into his Church.”  “Good times on Harley road trips.”  “Rex introduced me to Rotary.” “Rex built my home.”  “What struck me most was his devotion to his family and his church.”  Many members had been given a book he liked to share “Muscle and a Shovel”.  So instead of our usual business meeting, we put aside an agenda, we didn’t have a guest speaker.  We took time to honor Rex and strengthen the bonds of friendship we have with each other.  Rex, we miss you.  We thank you for your years of service in Rotary, rarely missing a meeting or event.  We’ll miss your smile, your laugh, your devotionals, your encouraging words, the way you would kick us in the pants when we needed it.  Rest in peace dear friend.   

By: Roslyn Faust

Rex Allen Horst of Victoria, Texas -- Rex Allen Horst, 66, passed away Tuesday, August 20th, 2019.  Rex was born October 17, 1952 to the late Elmer Kenneth Horst and Erna Dell Horst. He was a member of the Crossroads Builder's Association for over 25 years and recently served as President. He was an active member of the Victoria Northside Rotary and was a past President currently serving as President. He enjoyed working with Adoption Awareness and Early Acts First Knight--both Rotary projects in the community. He was an active member of Midtown Church of Christ and helped support and organize youth functions over the years. As owner of Designer Homes by Rex Horst, he was privileged to build the dream homes of many of the residents of the Victoria and surrounding areas. He was a friend and mentor to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He enjoyed golf, football and travel but most of all family, especially spending time with his 4 grandkids. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Erna Horst; and his sisters, Delta Dolly Slomba and Erna Horst. Rex is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Marilyn Huber Horst; his daughters, Karen Wilkinson and husband, Carlton of Victoria and Melissa Crooks and husband, Garrett of Ft. Collins, CO; his brothers, Pete Horst and wife, Judy of Baltimore, MD and Randy Horst and wife, Gladys of Crockett, TX; and his grandchildren, Emma Wilkinson, Jackson Wilkinson, Jordan Crooks and Liam Crooks. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Rex's memory are requested to do so to the Rotary Foundation or Midtown Church of Christ. Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.