Arthur Rex Witham

Arthur Rex Witham, 95, of rural Mentone, Indiana, born to James Arthur Witham and Lillian (Hatfield) Witham on April 2,1927, passed peacefully from this life on October 29, 2022. A 1945 graduate of Mentone High School, Rex served in the Army for two years beginning shortly after graduation. He obtained the rank of sergeant and was a member of the Signal Corps, including service in Germany. Rex worked at Midwest Spring and Stamping in Mentone from 1960 to 1997. As an elder, Bible class teacher, and faithful brother of the Mentone church of Christ, Rex was known for his desire to teach others about the Bible and was instrumental in a number of people turning their life to Christ through baptism. He believed in the simple message of the gospel and the simplicity that is found in Christ. He often reminded his family that in order to teach others, we must "get down to where the people are at.” Rex was also known for his humor, friendliness, work ethic, and love for family. Rex's family fondly remembers his stories of working days at the spring factory followed by farming in the evenings and weekends; he jokingly reminded them many times, " at least set aside enough money in life so you can pay to bury yourself.” Rex married Marion Freeda Kesler on January 14, 1949 in Mentone. Rex and Freeda were happily married for 64 years until her passing in 2013. Rex was also preceded in death by his son, Gregory R Witham, an infant daughter, Carol, sisters Betty L. Burnett Zimpelman, Patricia Stutzman, Beverly Johnston, and Sandy Rovenstine and brothers Ned Witham and Harry “Curly" Witham. Survivors include three daughters, Caleen (Susie) Rentschler, Mentone, Janie and husband, Eric Gard, Carmel, and Sally and husband Jay Hearn, St. Charles, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Natalie, Nathan, Aaron, Katie, Maggie, Rachel and Charles; nine great-grandchildren, Frank, Dustin, Darcy, Benjamin, Gibson, Arlen, Evelyn, Valerie, and Vance; and special nephews, Bob Everman, Nashville, and Bill Everman, Gas City. The memorial service will take place at 12:00 noon, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at King Memorial Home 101 North Tucker Street Mentone, Indiana with the Minister of the Church of Christ Kent Jones officiating. Memorial visitation will be held from 11 am to the time of the service. A private interment will take place in the Mentone Cemetery, Mentone, Indiana next to his wife Freeda. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Shults-Lewis Child & Family Services, 325 South 150 East, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 or the Mentone Fire Department.

Arthur Rex Witham

April 2, 1927 - October 29, 2022