Kenneth E. Rex

Kenneth Rex, age 92, born in Willard Ohio in 1932, died peacefully at home on August 10, 2025 in Cincinnati Ohio.

Ken was the beloved husband of Patricia Wade; father of Stephanie Allen, Tim Rex, and Robyn Cassidy; cherished grandfather of 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. Ken was also step-father to 3 step-sons.

Ken was big brother to 3 surviving sisters, all from Willard: Barbara Thomas, Crest Hill IL; Janet Painter-Scortia (George), Rotonda West FL; and Jeannine Snay (Richard), Willard OH. His parents, Raymond and Garland Rex (née Newhouse) preceded him in death.

Ken graduated from Willard High School and immediately enlisted in the Navy. It was the time of the Korean conflict. and Ken served on a Destroyer in conflict in Korea. Following his 4 years of service, Ken used his GI benefits to study at Kent State University. He continued to hold part-time employment with Landefeld and Lowery Grocery Store and the B&O Railroad.

What followed was a sales position with IBM which brought him to Cincinnati. After a few years, he joined the insurance business where he remained for 30 years until retirement.

Ken was an accomplished sailor and owned several sailboats in his time. His passion however, was with anything to do with trains, working trains or models. He belonged for many years to the Whitewater Valley Railroad Museum in Indiana where he served as brakeman, conductor, and engineer.

As a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Glendale Ohio he served on the Vestry, and was a Chalice Bearer, Lay Reader, and Visitor for many years. He also sang in the choir for over 30 years.

Because of his love of trains he, along with his friend Michael Mitter, established the Christ Church Glendale Train Room with an elaborate model train layout on the third floor of the parish hall. The train room was frequently open to many visitors. It was also his habit at Christmas time to dress in his conductor's uniform and read "The Polar Express" to the many children who came to the church to enjoy the tale along with cookies and hot chocolate, and of course a visit to the train room.

Services will be held on October 11, 2:00 pm at Christ Church, Glendale OH, 965 Forest Ave., Glendale OH 45246.

Donations in his memory can be made to Christ Church Glendale (above) and/or Whitewater Valley Railroad, 455 Market St. Connersville IN 47331.