Rex Eugene Holbert

Rex Eugene Holbert, 80, of Mishawaka died at home peacefully surrounded by family and friends. He was born January 10, 1943, in South Bend to William and Myrtle (Barley) Holbert. On August 29, 1976, he married Andrea Sailor at St. Mark Missionary Church.

She survives along with four children, Steve (Jayne) Holbert of Elkhart, Wendy (Kip) Sensow of Union Mills, Douglas (Jeri) Holbert of Elkhart, and Terri (David) Watson of Constantine, MI. Eight grandchildren, Steven (Brooke) Holbert, Carrie (Brad) Landesman, Jeffrey Vervynckt, Wesley (Ashley) Holbert, Alex Watson, Samantha Watson, Cassidy Sensow, and Kobe Sensow, along with eight great-grandchildren. Rex was one of five children, Betty Funk of South Bend, Lee Holbert of Ft. Myers, FL, Ronald (Sally) Holbert of Mishawaka, and Verna (Richard) Smethers of Osceola all survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, a great-grandson Charlie Rex, and a brother-in-law, James Funk.

Rex retired in 2005 as a driver for Preston Trucking after 20 years and countless miles. Prior to his retirement he owned and operated his own Holbert Trucking and worked alongside his son at Elkhart Hinge.

Family was the pride and joy of Rex’s life. Rex made every attempt to connect and be present with everyone’s sporting events, concerts, and other activities and found joy in gardening and playing games with those closest to him. He was known to be the “pick-it-up” guy when playing euchre, even if he didn’t have a good hand. The handyman whose passion and love to fix and tinker with things has spread across four generations. The “travel guide” for all family trips, knowing where to stop and what attractions to visit. Rex was a 50-year member of the local Masonic lodge, enjoyed boating on Dale Hollow Lake in KY, and was a snowbird in Mesa, AZ where he spent every morning playing dice and cards with his fellow snowbird friends over a cup of coffee.  It is Rex’s dedicated, caring, and vibrant personality that left a positive impact on his family, friends, and the various communities he was a part of.

Visitation is scheduled from 4-6p, Monday, Sept. 4th and 10 – 12p, Tuesday Sept. 5th at Cruz Family Funeral Home, Osceola. A service honoring Rex’s life will be held at 12p on Tuesday, immediately followed by burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Michael Weaver will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society to honor Rex’s life.

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