Leroy Joseph Horstmann, 80, Festus, formerly of Owensville, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home.
He was born on Sept. 12, 1945, to the late Emma (nee Collins) and Culver Horstmann, Sr. in London, England.
He was a retired union carpenter.
Leroy was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #1721 of Festus/Crystal City, and a member of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
While the first love of his life was his wife, Ellen, the second love was drag racing. Leroy began racing at the young age of 16. He had a passion for Fords, and when he wasn’t racing them, he spent his time building two of them with his good friend Skip: a Ford Anglia named Home Brew I and a Ford Pinto named Home Brew III.
When Leroy’s racing days came to an end, he began traveling with his brother, Gary and nephew, Tim, who drag raced, serving as their crew chief. He met many friends along the way and will be dearly missed by his racing family.
Leroy was preceded in death by wife Ellen; brother, Culver Horstmann, Jr.; nephew, Chad Glaser; and brother-in-law, Leslie Musil.
He is survived by son, Jonathan Trask and wife Lynn of Festus; daughters, Joan Trask and wife Demi and Jocelyn Clemens and wife Nancy both of St. Louis and Jennifer Steele of Festus; grandchildren, Meagan Trask and husband Colin, Anthony Trask and wife Kori, Kacie Elder and husband Adam and Zachary Steele; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and one great-great-granddaughter; sisters, Irene Glaser and husband Dennis of Phoenix, Ariz., Mary Musil of Springfield, Anna Mae Myers of Highridge and Linda Sheppard and husband Larry of Granite City, Ill.; brother, Gary Horstmann and wife Kathy of Festus; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Memorial Services were held Monday, March 30, at Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus, with Chaplin Brian Jenkerson officiating.
Memorial contributions suggested to Serenity Hospice Care Inc., 5272 Flat River Road, Park Hills, MO 63601 or Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Charter, 11433 Olde Cabin Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Arrangements entrusted to Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.
