Rex D. Smith

Rex D. Smith, 81, Warsaw, died at 10:56 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Kosciusko Community Hospital.

He was born Jan. 7, 1935 in South Whitley, a son of Frankie and June (Kreider) Smith. His formative years were spent in South Whitley. He graduated from South Whitley High School.

A semi driver, he worked over 20 years for South Whitley Trucking, Consolidated Freight for a short time and retired from Yellow Freight.

On March 19, 1965 he married Betty Lou Coldren. They have always made their home in Warsaw.

His memberships included the Moose in North Manchester and American Legion in Warsaw.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Betty; six children, Michael J. (Pat) Olinger, Grand Rapids Mich., Ann J. (Norman) Johnson, Ashland Ohio, Jeannie M. (Juan) Gonzales, Millersburg, Debra S. (Rex Darley) Lancaster, Jeffrey R. (Melissa) Smith and Sharon K. (Dave) Peters, all of South Whitley; 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and a sister, Doris Zirkelbach, Woodburn.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great granddaughter and a brother, Lyle Smith.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with visitation from Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.