Rex William Tomanek

Rex William Tomanek, 67, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born in Lakewood, Ohio on January 14, 1958, the son of Richard and Maureen Tomanek. He grew up in the 60's when Avon Lake was still a small town where your neighbors were your best friends and extended family was always near. Rex graduated from Avon Lake High School in 1977. His first job was at Elyria Metal Spinning and that is where he met Kimberly Nagy, the mother of his beloved children, Chris and Sarah. They started their life in Elyria which has been his home since.
In 1979, Rex switched jobs and went to work for Butts Plumbing where he found his calling. Tom and Jerry Butts took him under their expert wings and over the next twenty plus years taught him the intricacies of the plumbing business. In 2001, Rex bought the company and proudly operated Butt's Plumbing until his retirement in 2021.
He met Donna (Shutic) Gray in 1997, by way of a blind date set by his cousin. Rex and Donna fell madly in love and shared 22 years together before tying the knot in 2019. Rex welcomed Donna's two kids, Jason and Michelle, into his family as if they were his own and became their "Step-Up Dad."
Rex was an exceptional man. He was incredibly hardworking, kind, loyal, always put others first-whatever you needed, he would ALWAYS find a way to help. He was devoted to his family and close friends, and enjoyed spending time around his tiki bar and pool. You may remember your poolside options... A or B ("Option A - You go in voluntarily or Option B - I throw you in"). His smile and laugh were infectious. He was always up for a game of catch. He was the fixer of Christmas lights, the repairer of faucets, the slayer of snakes. If the drain needed to be unclogged or the pipes sounded funny, he was on his way. If you needed a part, it was "Let me check the shop." He was always ready to help and would never tell anyone no if it was within his power to do so. He was undoubtedly the most selfless person anyone could ever have the blessing of knowing. His ability to accept everyone as they were - faults and all - is a testament to the kind of person he was, and his unconditional love will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife Donna, son Christopher (Kamie), daughter Sarah (Meg), Jason (Erin) Gray and Michelle (Ben) Jennings along with his beloved grandchildren Violet, Vaughn, Evelyn, Bernadette, Aiden, and Owen, who affectionately called him Grandpa Rex and PopPop. And he loved his parents, Richard and Maureen (deceased), his sister, Maureen (Marty), his brother Richard (Nicole) and their children, Cole & Kyle, his sister Mary (Wayne, deceased) and their children Madalyn and Meredith. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
A Memorial Service to honor Rex will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 beginning at 12:00 Noon with visitation beforehand starting at 10:30 am at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 32747 Lake Rd, Avon Lake, OH 44012. www.buschcares.com 440-933-3202.
In lieu of flowers, we'd be honored if you would consider a donation to Avon Lake's Community Resource Center (CRS). https://aalcrs.org/how-you-can-help/make-a-donation/