Rex Baker

Rex Alan Baker, 71, of Huxley, Iowa passed away September 26, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.
Rex was born January 9, 1954 in Des Moines, Iowa to Doug and Donna (Longnecker) Baker. He graduated from Ballard High School in Huxley, Iowa in 1972. He became a diesel mechanic following classes at DMACC in Ankeny, Iowa and training at Interstate Diesel in Des Moines, Iowa.
On February 2, 1974 Rex married his secret crush, Connie Shepley. They made their home in Cambridge, Iowa. Rex worked at Interstate Diesel until 1981 when an opportunity at Boscobel Track & Roller in Boscobel, Wisconsin brought him and his parents together as business owners. When the chance presented itself to own his own business Rex and Connie and their three children moved to Nevada, Iowa and Rex became the sole owner of Williams Cylinder Head. In 1998 he re-named the business to Midwest Cylinder and built a new facility in the Nevada Business Park. That same year Rex and Connie were named Nevada Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. Rex and Connie moved to Huxley, Iowa in 2005 and a few years later sold the Midwest Cylinder Head business.
His last business ventures before retirement were as co-owner of Schell Welding in 2013 and head of RNC Recon.
Rex was a beloved member of the Cambridge United Methodist Church and enjoyed forwarding their many community missions.
Rex and Connie were blessed with three children Cybil (John Donovan), Rachel (Luke Wehrheim), and Mitch Baker. The three of them benefited from their Dad's affinity for fine automotives as they were "the kids with cool cars."
Rex was a loving and fun grandfather to Jackson and Jonah Olson, Ethan and Cameron Untch, Adelaide, Oliver, and Amara Baker. Papa Rex is fondly remembered for his big adventures, silly nicknames, and how he loved his dogs.
Rex was a brother to Rod (Carol) Baker, Diane Gragert, and Doreen (Dave Lee), Brother-in-law to Dave Shepley, Judy Shepley, Craig (Roylene) Shepley
Rex was uncle and great uncle to many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents Doug and Donna Baker, brother-in-law Doug Gragert, brother-in-law Gary Shepley, nephew Noel Shepley and son-in-law Mason Hines.
Rex will be remembered for his knowledge and expertise with both gas and diesel engines. In the industry the answer to everyone's unsolvable problem was "Just call Rex."
Some express love through hugs and terms of endearment. Rex often chose snake bites and nicknames.
His commitment to building a successful business may have only been surpassed by his dedication to being an amazing grandfather, supportive father and loving husband.
The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 12-3pm at the Cambridge Community Center in Cambridge.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a memorial fund to be established.