CONRAD WILLAM H

Conrad Willam Horst was born 9/21/1938 and passed away 12/9/2025 in The Woodlands, TX from complications of Dementia at age 87. Conrad was born and raised in Cuero, TX to Henry and Addie Raley Horst. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Donald (wives Emma Johnnie and Mary), and mother of sons Erich and Scott, Barbara Kay Vrana.

Conrad was raised in Cuero and played football for Cuero High. He was very proud to be a Cuero Gobbler. He began his working career in high school with his father’s company helping to build several of the highways and roads around southeast Texas. His next adventure as a young man was to travel around North and South America as a deep-sea underwater welder spending time in Venezuela. He began his college career at Lamar State College, transferring to and graduating from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.

After college he moved to Houston and began a career at Western Gear Co selling products to the offshore industry. He then moved on to Zapata Marine Services Co. Here he worked his way up eventually becoming Vice President of Sales and Contracts. At Zapata he was fortunate to travel around the world and visit many countries that, as a kid from Cuero, he never could have thought of visiting. After Zapata was sold, Conrad moved the family to Ingleside, joining Aquamarine Associates. He then returned to the Houston area and founded the Arrow Marine Company. Here he had several ships built to order and moved cargo around the world. Always looking for another venture, Conrad and then wife Barbara Kay started Drug Screens, Inc. in Pasadena, TX. At DSI is where they wrote the book on what modern drug screening is done in employment practices. Conrad’s next adventure moved him to the southwest settling in Tres Piedras, New Mexico. Here is where he started Custom Cut Sawmill making many custom wood products and features for the celebrities and executives of New Mexico. Texas came calling again and he moved back to the greater South Houston area settling in Dickinson. Now home, he started Chocolate DeeLite’z/ Horst Concessions with his son Erich. They spent several years working the festival circuit traveling around the country, meeting many friends along the way. After retiring from all his ventures, Conrad continued his focus on his community service at the Bay Area Club that he helped found in 1990. He always continued to help those in need for as long as he was able. He was a friend of Bill W for over 40 years, and in his words, was one of the things he was very grateful for doing in his life.

Conrad is survived by his sons, Conrad Willaim Horst Jr. (Mother Judie), Erich Henry Horst (wife April), Scott Charlton Horst (partner Garrett), Granddaughter Jessica Horst, Great-Granddaughter Haily Trevino, Nieces Julianne Horst (partner Michelle), Tiffany Box (husband Shawn), Nephew Christopher Marchiando (wife Kelly), sister- in-law Judy Marchiando (husband Michael) as well as many extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank all the friends that visited him in the last few years, as well as all the nurses, aides, and staff from Ridgewood at The Woodlands for their kindness and care in his last few months.

In observance of his wishes, no formal services will occur, and the family will spread his ashes in a private ceremony.