Rex D. Schrader

February 15, 1943-December 28, 2018

Rex D. Schrader, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away on Dec. 28, 2018, at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He was born to Denzil and Betty (Miller) Schrader on Feb. 15, 1943, in Ft. Wayne.

Growing up, Rex loved basketball and played nonstop in his farmhouse kitchen. He attended local schools, including Columbia City High School where he played in the band and was in the men's quartet. Rex raised and showed pigs at the state fair. After graduating from high school in 1961, he furthered his education at the University of Arizona and Indiana University, Bloomington, earning his MBA in 1967.

Known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial drive, Rex started auctioneering at the young age of 13 in the livestock barn, when his father had to take a phone call. Building upon the business started by Denzil, Rex built Schrader Real Estate & Auction Co. into a world-class company operating across the United States, which will now be carried on by his son. Rex was also inducted into the National and Indiana Auctioneers Assoc. Hall of Fame.

Although a very busy businessman, Rex increasingly recognized that family was most important in his life. He was blessed to become a father to five children. Later in life, on Jan. 1, 2009, he married Lori in Columbia City. With their marriage Rex also gained three stepchildren.

He especially enjoyed boating with his children and grandchildren, and fishing with his grandchildren. Over the years he drove many miles and put in countless hours for horse shows, cattle shows, 4-H and state fair. He loved ice cream, was a fan of IU basketball and often listened to Johnny Cash.

A member of First Church of God for many years, Rex dedicated much time to the leadership of the church. An active supporter of missions, he and Lori supported its mission in Haiti as well as many missionaries around the world. Though his body was stricken by Parkinson's disease for the last 10 years of his life, his spirit, drive, compassion and commitment to the things of the Lord were renewed day by day.

Rex's family includes his wife, Lori; children Rex II (Holly) Schrader of Columbia City, Evette (Danny) Mosquera of Fort Myers, Fla., Stacie (Misha) Timina of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Stephanie (Darrel) Gudeman of Warsaw, Ind., and Krista (Jim) Pope of Columbia City; stepchildren Wendy (Steve) Dingeldein of Durham, N.C., Jama (Nate) Stull and Thomas (Maddi) Weimer of Pierceton, Ind.; 21 grandchildren; and sister Judy (Fred) Geyer of Columbia City.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Rex were held on Jan. 4 at First Church of God in Columbia City and burial was in Oak Grove Compton Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Rex may be made to Gideons, Bear Lake Camp or First Church of God. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.