"Rex and I grew up together, we rode the same school bus. He was very friendly and such a nice man. He was a grade behind me. I knew his family very well. I know God has a place for him. It was so nice of him to come back to this area and helped so many people.. God Bless and his family. Praying for them. I know he suffered a long time. in Christian Love, Elizabeth Kilgore Sponaugle and son Daniel."
In loving memory of
Rex D. Schrader
February 15, 1943 - December 28, 2018
Rex Schrader was an extraordinary man to know and love. Although he accomplished much, he was a humble man whose greatest source of pride and joy was found in the family he shared with his beloved bride, Lori. A more devoted family man would be hard to find, and Rex treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy of his love and faith in God; his joy and commitment to family; and his entrepreneurial drive mixed uniquely with the desire to encourage and be a catalyst for the success of others.
Denzil and Betty (Miller) Schrader became proud parents of their son Rex D. born on February 15th, 1943 in Ft. Wayne, IN. He was Denzil and Betty's second child, with an older sister and dear friend, Judy.
Growing up, Rex loved basketball and played non-stop in his farmhouse kitchen. He almost cracked the ceiling with his constant shooting! He enjoyed family and loved the big Thanksgiving gatherings in the Schrader rec room. 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, Rex furthered his education at the University of Arizona and Indiana University, Bloomington, earning his MBA in 1967.
Rex's faith in God shone through his life and guided his path. 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, Rex and Lori supported First Church of God's mission in Haiti as well as many missionaries around the world, touching countless lives with Christ's love. Rex was also a dedicated member of the Gideons for many years. His faithfulness and desire to serve Christ were an example to many.
Known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial drive, Rex was well respected. He started auctioneering at the young age of 13 in the livestock barn when his father had to take a phone call. It has been said that Rex was the best auctioneer ever, as he not only conducted some of the largest land auctions in the world, but filled a room with energy and excitement as he auctioneered. Rex and his company developed an innovative technology for conducting large land auctions. Building upon the business started by his father, Rex built a world class company operating across the US. This company will now be carried on by his son. Rex was inducted into the National and Indiana Auctioneers Associations' Hall of Fame.
Rex's professional reputation however was greater than a talented auctioneer and entrepreneur. Reflecting his strong Christian faith, Rex loved people and was always ready to help staff, clients and partners. He strove for integrity in all situations.
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 including Rex II, Evette, Stacie, Stephanie, and Krista. Later in life Rex found Lori whom he adored and loved fully. They met at First Church of God. When he asked to court her, Rex was her boss at Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company. On January 1, 2009, he married Lori in Columbia City. With their marriage Rex also gained amazing stepchildren: Wendy, Jama, and Thomas.
Throughout his life Rex made the most of each and every moment he was given. Rex and Lori shared a love and gift for hospitality and a zest for travel. He loved hosting people at their Florida and Indiana homes and was always ready for a good game of Euchre. He looked forward to Schrader family trips to Colorado, trips with the Drapers and Stacie's family to Europe, and he had the time of his life on his honeymoon in Arizona.
So proud to be a grandfather, Rex loved holding his grandbabies. He especially enjoyed boating with his children and grandchildren, and fishing with his grandchildren was another favorite. Over the years he drove many miles and put in countless hours for horse shows, cattle shows, 4-H, and state fair. There was even the time during the blizzard of 1978 when Rex rode horseback with his kids to the grocery store for food. He loved ice cream, was a fan of IU basketball, and often listened to Johnny Cash.
Described as a go-getter with an upbeat and positive attitude, Rex Schrader was someone everyone seemed to know. He had a glimmer in his eye when he got excited about something, and he loved to compete but also to see others succeed. Someone who never slowed down, his zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Though his body was stricken by Parkinson's disease for the last ten years of his life, his spirit, his drive, his compassion, and his commitment to the things of the Lord were renewed day by day by his precious Savior. In God's sovereignty, many lives were blessed and strengthened as they witnessed how he did not lose heart, though his outward body wasted away (2 Corinthians 4:16). To God be the Glory forever and ever. Deeply loved, Rex will be forever missed.
Rex D. Schrader, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 6:55 a.m. on Friday, December 28, 2018, at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Rex's family includes his wife, Lori of Columbia City; children, Rex II (Holly) Schrader of Columbia City, Evette (Danny) Mosquera of Fort Myers, FL, Stacie (Misha) Timina of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Stephanie (Darrel) Gudeman of Warsaw, and Krista (Jim) Pope of Columbia City; step-children, Wendy (Steve) Dingeldein of Durham, NC, Jama (Nate) Stull and Thomas (Maddi) Weimer both of Pierceton; 21 grandchildren; sister, Judy (Fred) Geyer of Columbia City. Rex was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may call from 12-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, and Thursday, January 3, 2019, at First Church of God 1200 West Depoy Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Rex will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 4, 2019, at the church with calling one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Compton Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Rex may be made to Gideons, Bear Lake Camp, or First Church of God. Visitwww.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.
Tributes
"Rex Schrader impacted my life in more ways than words can describe. The most profound that lead everything else was his FAITH! It was his guiding principle in all I experienced in our association. Rex endlessly demonstrated his love for fellowman. It was his calling. I always looked forward to Rex and Lori coming to FL to enjoy some winter sunshine and a ride on the hunting buggy in the ranch country. May all who know him continue his legacy of Love One Another as I Have First Love You! Rex, you will live on in our Hearts forever. In God's Love! Mark Walters "
"Rex was a neighbor growing up on Raber road. no matter where you met him it was hi how you doing. always a smile on his face. He willbe missed by many. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the entire Schrader Family Rose and Janet Hurd"
"Rex was good friend and better man. Rex always did what he believed to be right. In business and life Rex was a truly honest man. I was better for knowing him and the world was blessed to have him. My very best to his family. Dick Houser"
"Our prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Rex Schrader Family and Schrader Auction Family. Rex was a friend and competitor and I so enjoyed spending time with him at conventions and CE classes. With Rex the topic always included family, all cherished times. Best to all, "
"Dear Rex II, Evette, Stacie, Stephanie and Krista: Chris Berger here (Carrie Franz´s brother). While I rejoice with you in the assurance that your Dad is now standing in the presence of Jesus, my spirit is heavy as I mourn with you for your loss. I was one of many that have been blessed by you and your dad by staying in the log cabin during the 2004-2005 year before I left for mission field to Mexico. I count it as a blessing to have been able to stop by and visit your dad at the farm in the middle of October of this past year (unfortunately, Lori, we had just missed you, apparently). My wife, Sophia, and I had just begun our furlough travels and were on our way to Columbus, OH to visit with my sister Carrie. Prior to this, I had been thinking of Rex for quite some time and since I was just newly married and since we were passing through Columbia City, we decided to make an unplanned and unannounced visit to see if your dad was home so my wife could meet him. He and two other men were in the middle of their exercise therapies for their Parkinson´s and while your dad did not recognize me right away, his eyes lit up with surprise and even shock when I mentioned my name. My wife and I were pleased that your dad was home and we had a very good visit with him. As always, he was gracious and hospitable. He gave us a tour of the house, showed me the ¨new¨ recreational room (the old swimming pool room) and the add-on to the house. My wife and I also spent 20+ minutes looking at the pictures of all the grandkids hanging on the walls throughout the house. Oh how your dad loved those grandkids!! He was so proud to show them off and give me an update on where they all were and how they were doing. At the end of our visit, we had the opportunity to pray with and for him and all of you... he really seemed to appreciate that. As my wife and I left, it seemed that both your dad and I had tears in our eyes. It was a special visit. I thank God for you all and your dad´s life and the blessings I received as a result. My spirit mourns your loss along with you. "
"My Deepest Sympathy to The Schrader Family. Many years have passed as neighbors with Rex and Judy. We all were friends and went to the Church in our neighborhood. Having been Friends with all the Schrader's has many good memories. Our Prayers will be with the Family to comfort you in this time of Sorrow. Ora and Sharon Simmons "
"Our prayers will be with you during this time. Rex was a special person and will be missed by many. In Christian love, Rich and Amber"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Schrader family at this time of loss. May God fill you with His comforting spirit and His peace that passes all understanding. God Bless!"
"We offer our deepest sympathy to the Schrader family. So sorry for your loss."
"Dear Schrader Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family has our sympathy. Rita, Romona, and Ryan Dunfee"
"Dear Schrader family .... especially Stephanie, Krista and your Aunt Judy ...I was so sorry to have read of your father's passing...My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sending My Deepest Sympathy.
"
"Sorry for your loss, Stacie you and your family are in my prayers."
"It was privilege and an honor to know Rex and his lovely wife Lori. Rex was the very best auctioneer that I have ever seen. I started attending his auctions in Southwestern Kansas in the late 1990"s. The Schrader -Westchester team really showed Kansas how to do an auction! Rex had a memory for detail and he was a remarkable man. I was involved in a couple of auctions and had one done for a Trust that I managed. My wife Jane and I enjoyed Rex and Lori. Rex has left a Legacy that not many men have done. The family has our deepest condolences. Mel and Jane Crist"
"Sorry to hear of Rex's passing Rex and I were in the same class at CCJS. Rex was a good man. He always was a good friend."
"We are so sorry to hear of Rex's passing. Out thoughts and prayers are with your entire family -- may God fill your hurting hearts with his presence and love. Sincerely, LeeAnn, John + Kellan Moss"
"Sending prayers for healing and love to the Schrader family. A finer gentleman I never met. God bless Rex D. Schrader"
"We express our sympathy to Rex's family. He was a great man. Leroy & Vivian Betts"
"He will be missed! Prayers to his family!"
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "
"Rex and I were always friends....We shared many wonderful memories of fun times at church, with family , and with friends. Rex holds a special place in my heart. Linda Sutton"
"What an amazing person Rex was... always so kind, caring, and humble and that legacy will continue on as an example of what a Godly Christian is all about. Thanks for being that example to me. I wish I could have spoken to Rex one more time, but I know I'll see him again in heaven. Well done good and faithful servant. Dan Smith"
"We were so saddened to learn of the passing of Rex. What an extraordinary man that lived life to the fullest! He will be so terribly missed. With the deepest heartfelt sympathy for the whole family, Brian and Dianna Smith and the entire staff of Jerry's Tire Service"
"We are truly sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.Rex . Our prayers and thoughts are with y?all. The Costello?s "
"Made many great memories with the Schrader family showing livestock, Rex increased the value of our farm sale, and I appreciated his help , condolences for the Schrader family. Cecil Baker... "
"Lori, we are sorry for your loss. Stan and Vicky Patterson, Matt Brown, Peter and Kristi Lucht. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"I will miss Rex. I groomed rex,s lawn for 8 years A awesome friend ."
"Life is short, but a Father's love endures. Our condolences to R.D. and the Schrader Family for your loss. Mary and Jim Zeeb"
"To Rex?s beloved family. Sorry we missed the celebration of our well respected friend, Rex. We will miss our euchre playing competitor! He was a tuff one to beat and we always enjoyed his company. I will never forget our fishing trips, and the late night euchre games. Especially the trip where he and Steve never won one game all week. It really bothered him. He said to me , in the boat the next day ?even Craig , (who was my partner all week,) is playing aggressively, I have never seen him play aggressive.? Also we remember the night he was recognized as Auctioneer of the year by his peers and all of us were on stage with him in Indianapolis, and his emotional speech, what an honor to be present and to be allowed to share the moment with him. What a fabulous spiritual legacy his life has been. God Bless, Ted and Marilyn Wilson"
"May God give you strength in this time of grief and fond memories of Rex D. Schrader, CCHS Alumni Class of 1961. The Alumni of CCHS extends sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to Rex's family. www.cchsaa.org per TLG"
"My prayers for the whole family. So grateful for you all and know that your dad had such a huge impact on you and your kids. Praying. "
"Stephanie, I will be praying for you and your family as you go through your grieving time. Hugs coming your way."
"Mr. Schrader was a man that I greatly admired. He was very humble and giving. I remember the first time I talked to him in Columbia City about sponsoring me for college, he didn't hesitate one bit. He took his time to check on me in college and to make sure I was doing well. After I left college and started my first business endeavor in Columbia City; He guided and coached me so that I wouldn't make mistakes. Mr. Schrader had a place in his heart for Haitians. He often welcomed us in his home. We enjoyed a great deal of time with him. He treated us like family. Mr. Schrader has contributed to many Haitians's college careers. Although we are sad that you're not with us anymore, we live with the hope that one day we will see you in Heaven. Ervé Joseph- Les Cayes, Haiti"
"I am so sorry for your loss. He treated everyone with a level of respect and dignity that is uncommon today. Your family's contribution to 4H and building youth in Whitley County has msde a difference in so many lives. His servants heart and humility will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing him with us. With respect, Meredith Hoffman"
"You are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"So sorry for your loss. prayers to you all"
"Prayers that God will Lift You Up , Feel His Love and Blessings. Rex will Missed, but Remembered. So Sorry, Robert, Kathy, Holly, Jerry, Kevin and Carrie Nicodemus"
"Mike and I enjoyed spending time with Rex and Lori. Our heart's are heavy with sadness for your loss. Love you "
"So many wonderful memories of Rex from going to his home when I was in high school to play basketball, to working on various boards with him at First Church of God I have always admired him greatly and he always was so good to my grandmother and my children . He was a giant of a man and yet as down to earth and friendly as a Next door neighbor. He loved the Lord and while he will be greatly missed, He is now in the home where all of us who love Christ long to be some day. God bless you Rex. You were a blessing to us all. "
"So sorry for your loss many prayers Schrader family "
"So Sorry for your loss, Our Love & Prayer,
Mike & Linda Slabaugh"