Robert Louis Horky

Robert “Bobby” Louis Horky, 78 passed away peacefully in Lake Jackson, TX with family by his side on April 19, 2021. Bobby was born to Louis John and Elda Picard Horky in Galveston, Texas at St. Mary’s Infirmary on November 26, 1942 and was a lifelong resident of Freeport, Texas.

Bobby loved his parents dearly and was proud to be named after his father. His parents moved to Velasco in 1943 when his father joined the Marines, and Bobby, his mom and sister moved in with their grandmother, Ida Picard. His father was sent to the Island of Guam and didn’t return home until 1945. As a child he spent as much time as he could outdoors playing and often visiting his Uncle Jake who he idolized and aunt who lived next door. His eye for art began appearing at a very young age and became apparent in his detailed sketches and drawings. He also had a passion for colors and paint-- when one day he surprised his sister by painting her bicycle a different color without asking! As a teen he was well known for painting people’s names and beautiful artwork on the ceiling of the Alamo Drive-In outdoor covered seating area in Freeport and custom painting his 1957 Chevy famously known as “Brand-X”. He graduated from Brazosport High School and was actively involved in the Distributive Education Club where he was recognized for his fine art work in the student directory, Christmas parade float, show card lettering, banners, event signs and creating the design on the club envelope. Many of his school friends described him as nice, cool, and very talented! He attended Wharton Junior College while studying commercial art and riding a daily bus from Freeport to Wharton, TX. While in college he crossed paths with singer, B.J. Thomas, and they remained lifelong friends. After college, he was well-known among the locals as “Horky”, drove an El Camino he painted and customized, and owned his own business Horky Advertising in its humble beginnings of his Uncle Jake’s old detached garage on North Ave F. As business grew he relocated to a retail office space on Yellowstone Street next door to Freeport Construction, and was later known as Horky Signs in its final location on the corner of West 1st Street & Hickory Street. He had extraordinary artistic talents and loved creating graphic designs, company logos, engraving, gold leaf, silk screening, displays, and painting signs, customized detailing of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and shrimp boats. In 1972 he was recognized in “Signs Of The Times” magazine and cited for Outstanding Signwork in the Truck of the Month Contest competing with artist entries from around the world. Basis of the Award: Distinctive Logo and striping added to the appearance of his truck (El Camino). One of the most unique projects of his career was winning the bid to paint lettering on the sides of the San Luis Pass Bridge on the Brazoria County end which he accomplished by creating and designing special scaffolding so he could hang suspended off the side of the bridge while he painted. After retirement, he enjoyed bird watching, going to classic car shows, taking drives to Surfside Beach and the Freeport Marina, and chatting with neighbors, friends, and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elda Horky; maternal grandmother, Ida M. Picard; paternal grandparents, Leopold & Mary Lauer Horky; maternal uncle and aunt, Jake and Joyce Picard and other Picard uncles (Harold, Wilton, and Leon), Horky kin (Raymond, Johnny, Leon and Agnes Drury), and numerous cousins.

He is survived by his older sister, Betty Ann Fowler and husband Brice and their four children, Elaine (& Bill) Valagura, Gina (& Duane) Favorite, Brice III (& Deanna) Fowler, and Joshua (& Vanessa) Fowler, along with great-nieces, great-nephews, a great-great nephew, and numerous cousins. Also, he is remembered with love and fondness by his former spouse, Iva Roddey.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to cousin Suzette Peel for her love and care as his primary caretaker this past year, Debra Taylor at Hudgin’s Estate for being an angel on earth on a daily basis, special thanks to Bud Wilson for being a great friend all these years and a blessing to Bobby, a special shout out to his nurse Dennis for compassionate care and kindness during his recent stays at Brazosport Hospital, and lastly the AMED hospice nurse for her support in the final days.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Bobby’s memory to Mission Hope, FUMC, 1600 West Broad Street, Freeport TX 77541, www.freeportfumc.net/mission-hope, The Mission Hope program helps serve those in need in the local community. This outreach was located across the alley from Bobby’s residence and he found joy in helping others.

Services are under the direction of Restwood Funeral Home in Clute, 1038 W. Plantation Dr. 77531 (979) 297-2121. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, 11:00am, Garden of Peace mausoleum.