Clayton Robert Horst

(March 3, 1938 – October 10, 2023)

Clayton Robert (aka Rubert) Horst was born on March 3, 1938, to Adolph J. Horst and Bertha A. Horst in Walworth County, SD.  One of several siblings, Clayton schooled in Mobridge, graduating from Mobridge High School.

Following graduation, Clayton enlisted in the United States Navy, entering active duty on February 28, 1956, just shy of his 18th birthday.  He served aboard the USS PECATONICA (AOG-57) where he attained the rank of Seaman.  On August 10, 1959, he was honorably discharged at the U.S. Naval Receiving Station, Norfolk, VA.

Clayton's home of record at the time of discharge was Java, SD.  Following his discharge from the Navy, he resided in Hot Springs, SD, first at the VA Domiciliary, and finally at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home.

A private person, Clayton spoke little of his life.  Because Clayton wasn't married and didn't mention other family, the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home "NASA" household nursing staff became his family.  They remembered that:  He was polite & always said "Thank You".  He spoke his mind & sometimes tried to convey the idea that he was tough & didn't want to be bothered.  But he really liked the staff that helped him live there.  He didn't leave his room much, but he'd occasionally slip out to go visit with one other resident.  He'd give his mini-mart bucks to a CNA and tell her to go down & get him a Bud.  And, speaking of the mini-mart, he loved chocolate bars, chips, coffee & cookies.  Clayton was fun and had a great sense of humor. One staff member said, "I just loved him.  He made me laugh."  He enjoyed animals.  He loved Lily the cat.  And he enjoyed watching and talking about the birds outside his window.  Loud noises bothered him.  And he did change rooms to a quieter area of the household.  So, when he watched TV, the sound would be turned down, so it didn't bother him.

It is believed that Clayton's family pre-deceased him, leaving him without direct relatives.  Though without biological family, he was not alone. His passing was mourned by his "family" of the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home and the wider area veterans community.

Clayton was remembered on October 13, 2023, with a celebration of life memorial service officiated by Chaplain Morris Nelson at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home chapel. On November 16, 2023, his ashes were interred with full military honors at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home Cemetery.

Care for Clayton's earthly remains were provided by Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home of Hot Springs, SD