Rex Youse

Rex Jacob Youse of Waynesville, NC passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, following a short illness at the age of 89. Son of Neva Ellen (Cropsey) and Albert Lee Youse, Rex was born in Michigan. His life was marked by devotion and love for his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia (Cy) Lo Wilkins and they recently celebrated their 68th anniversary. Both attended the University of Michigan where Rex graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering.

They moved to Pittsburgh when Rex found employment designing bridges, but he soon moved to Interstate Equipment Corporation as Chief Engineer where he designed aerial tramways for mining applications. He took pride in applying his experience in cable systems during the rebuilding of the Duquesne Incline, an historic incline that runs up Mt. Washington in Pittsburgh originally built in 1877. The rebuilt incline is still in operation today.

Rex’s greatest joy was making his family happy and providing for them. He devoted time to Cy, his three children, Mindy, Terri and Jay and their family members in Michigan, particularly his beloved brother and only sibling Larry Youse. He was a loving husband, a caring father, generous with his resources and extremely loyal to the Youse family. He treated his wife and many family members to fine dining often and was a regular at Southern Porch, Cuban Guy, Bogart’s, Bocelli’s and Angelo’s. He never stopped loving his mother’s peanut butter fudge or the caramel corn or apple pies that Cy mastered.

Rex enjoyed tennis and basketball, both of which he played and watched regularly throughout his life. He was a keen cribbage player and a mark of pride for a grandchild was finally beating him at this game, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He had a great memory and studied the markets, sharing financial advice with all his children and grandchildren and assisting with finances at (now) Second Season ministry in Waynesville. 

He is survived by his wife Cynthia of Waynesville: their children: daughter Arminda (Mindy) Ellen Youse-Warde and her husband Dave Warde of Waynesville; daughter Terrill (Terri) Leigh Anthony and her husband Terry of Bessemer City, NC; and son Jacob (Jay) Arthur Youse and his wife Carla of Waynesville. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Nathan (and Michaela) Lowe of Canton, NC; Shauna (and Drew) Hall of Columbia, SC; Brian Youse of Waynesville; Naomi Warde of Reading, PA; Tyler Rex Anthony (and Sydnee) of Boulder, CO: Jordyn Youse of Hendersonville, NC; Abby Darkes-Burkey (and Caleb) of Peru, NY; Christin Anthony of Nashville, NC; Scott Anthony of Raleigh, NC; and Matthew Youse of Waynesville. Rex was also blessed with 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Lawrence Youse along with his parents.

The family would like to share some memories of Mr. Youse at 1:00 p.m. followed by a gathering of friends that will be held at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, North Carolina on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00pm. A celebration of life and inurnment ceremony will be held at Green Hill Cemetery at a later date for immediate family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to Haywood Christian Ministries in Waynesville (hcmnc.org) which Rex supported for many years and which is currently also assisting those impacted by Hurricane Helene. We can think of no better tribute to Rex’s memory than continuing his generosity to those in need. 

The care of Mr. Youse has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville