Rex E. Zimpelman

October 25, 1936 - April 2, 2022

Rex E. Zimpelman, 85, of rural Mentone, Indiana passed unexpectedly at 8:04 am, Saturday, April 2, 2022 at his residence.   Rex was born on Oct. 25, 1936 in Warsaw, Ind. 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 4 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 8 Grandchildren and 4 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 1:00 pm, Friday, April 8, 2022 at King Memorial Home 101 North Tucker Street Mentone, Indiana.   The interment will take place following the service in the Lakeview Cemetery, Silver Lake, Indiana with graveside military rites performed.   Memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Friday, April 8, 2022 at King Memorial Home, Mentone, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Kosciusko County 4-H.