William Carl Horst

William C. Horst (Bill), born May 2, 1937 in Butler, OK, passed away January 27, 2013, at the hospital in Harbor City, CA at the age of 75. Bill dedicated his life to the community, being the founder, with his late wife, Retha, of The Harbor Gateway Torrance Outreach, a food bank for low income families. Bill was a veteran of the Army National Guard and had the privilege to play the trombone for JFK. Bill worked for Dow Chemical for 35 years. After retirement, Bill volunteered with the L.A.P.D. Later, Bill accomplished a Masters in Gerontology, along with many other awards and grants. Bill was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and was very proud of this accomplishment. Bill was a lifetime member of the Germans from Russia and was very active in genealogy. In his spare time Bill enjoyed collecting picture postcards, musical instruments, Hot Wheels, and Disney pins, and he enjoyed watching Judge Judy while playing Farmville. Bill had a huge heart and loved his animals. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his three children, Janet, John and wife Brenna, and Nancy and husband Randy; two step daughters, Darlene Laudenberg and Jamie Hill; three brothers, Henry and wife, Oren and wife, and Cairl Gene and wife; four sisters, Iona, Imogene, Iola, and Ina Mae; grandchildren, Jamie and fiancé Bobby, Joseph, Jessica, Jamie G., Allen, and Adam; great grandchildren, Daniel, Carley, Andrew, and Dylan; numerous nephews and nieces; and countless friends.