Rex E. Zimpelman

1936 - 2022

Rex E. Zimpelman, 85, of rural Mentone, passed unexpectedly at 8:04 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022, at his residence.

Rex was born on Oct. 25, 1936, in Warsaw, to the late Donald and Louise (Miller) Zimpelman. His mother passed when Rex was only 3 years old. After her passing, he was raised by his grandparents, the Millers and Zimpelmans.

He was married on Nov. 6, 1960, to Frances Della Coy. Together they had four children, Randy (Elizabeth) Zimpelman of Akron, Kelly (Rusty) Nellans of Mentone, Rusty (Amy) Zimpelman of Mentone, Krista (David) Neace of Mentone; and they blessed him with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He then married on Nov. 8, 1986, to Betty L. Witham Burnett, who preceded him in death on April 23, 2019. He is also survived by his step brothers Curtis Hunt and Duane Hunt.

He was a graduate of Claypool High School. He then served his country in the U.S. Army. During his enlistment, he was in the Calvary serving in Germany. He drove a tanker for Pierceton Trucking of Laketon and for Chet Ballenger and Archie Leckrone as a cattle buyer. Rex then started working for Pike Lumber Company of Akron in 1980. He worked in the Timber Department as a truck driver. In 1991 he changed positions and began working in the Log Yard. He retired from Pike's in 2001.

Rex had been a member of the American Legion Post 286 and the Moose Lodge 1518, both of North Manchester. He was very involved with 4-H. He was devoted to his children and was actively involved while they showed all kinds of livestock. He enjoyed the Chicago Cubs, Draft horses, watching westerns, and the rodeo. Rex worked hard on his huge garden and tended to his flowers. He could be found socializing with his friends every afternoon at the Bulldog in Mentone.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, uncle Ivan "Red" Zimpelman, and his wife.

A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2022, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone.

The interment will take place following the service in the Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake, with graveside military rites performed.

Memorial visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2022, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Kosciusko County 4-H.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at: www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.