Rex LeRoy Horner, 79, of Roseville, Illinois, passed away at 12:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Elms in Macomb, Illinois. He was born December 30, 1945, in La Crosse, Kansas, the son of Max L. and Juanita R. (Gibson) Horner. He was raised and educated in various schools, graduating from Little Sioux High School in Iowa. He later attended Wayne State College. His education was very important to him.
Rex joined the United States Air Force after receiving his college degree. He then worked as a history teacher in Colorado for a few years before being commissioned into the Air Force. He remained with the Air Force, where he obtained the rank of Major, for 22 years as the Chief of Security of Police until his retirement.
He married Deborah Ann Young on February 11, 1994, in Aurora Colorado and she survives.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debbie of Roseville; daughters, Jennifer (David) LaLonde and Meredeth (Gregg) Iversen; stepson, Kenneth (Angela) Vogel; grandchildren, Katie McDowell, Jacob LaLonde, Benjamin LaLonde, Morgan McDowell and Jack Vogel; one brother, Lyle G. (Teresa) Horner; one sister-in-law, Linda Horner and one brother-in-law, Gary (Sheryl) Young.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother Daniel P. Horner.
Rex was a member of the Roseville Nazarene Church. He enjoyed writing music, fishing, painting and doing historical, health and cancer research. He was very involved in music and played several instruments; guitar, mandolin, auto harp, dulcimer, piano, etc. He enjoyed Southern Gospel Music. His song writing had gained him notoriety in the Colorado area and he had recorded several songs. His greatest joy was his family. His faith was number one in his life. He credits his Sunday School teachers, pastors, and church elders with instilling a very deep faith, with no better example of this than his father, Max.
Rex was very giving and was very involved in missions work with the church and he never wanted to be recognized publicly for his works. He loved basketball and played during his junior high and high school years. He was very competitive by nature.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Roseville Nazarene Church and left in the care of the funeral home. Moore Memorial Home, Roseville, is handling the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.moorememorial.com
