Rex J. Shewmaker

Rex was born February 10, 1932 in Buffalo, Missouri to James Blaine and Dorothy Inez “Gobbies” Sadler Shewmaker. He had one sister, Myra Jane Shewmaker (Hale). He was raised in Buffalo but spent a lot of time on his grandparents, Issac Newton and Viola Flo Beck Shewmaker’s farm south of Buffalo where he learned life’s lessons that later benefited him. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at a Revival at the Free Will Baptist Church and was baptized in Greasy Creek. He attended school at Buffalo where he was involved in many school activities including various sports. He was a member of the 1949 State Basketball Championship team. He played American Legion baseball and later Semi Pro. He was a member of the 1950 graduating class. He attended Southwest Missouri State where he was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, In 1952 Rex married Joyce Joan Bradley and from that union was born five children, Thomas (Barbara), Joey (Jeni), Sharon (KellyWilliamson), Terry , and Connie (John Frizzle). He farmed for two years. In 1955, he and his dad founded Shewmaker Auto Parts. When his dad died, Rex and his sons became partners in the business. Rex continued his interest in sports by coaching and sponsoring American Legion Baseball and his girls’ softball teams. His five children were active in sports in high school and he was always an ardent supporter. He joined the Christian Church and was a loyal member until his death. He was a founding member and served on the board of Buffalo Bank now US Bank. Rex’s interest in golf prompted him to invest in Silo Ridge Golf Course and Country Club in Polk County where he enjoyed playing many games and tournaments with his kids and grandkids. Rex and Joan have 12 grandchildren, Brian (Vanessa), Amy, and Cortney; Jason, Jana and Jordan; Matt Keith and Taira Keith Jackson (Josh), and Chelsey Williamson; Dusty and Kayla Shewmaker; and Haley Frizzle. Rex was a mentor to many employees of Shewmaker Auto Parts over the course of 58 years in business. Rex and Joan were blessed with three great grandchildren, Thad, Izabella, and Olivia Jackson, who provided many hours of enjoyment. He was preceded in death by his father, James Blaine Shewmaker and mother, Dorothy Inez Sadler Shewmaker, and his brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Hale, Visitation services for Rex Shewmaker is at the Christian Church in Buffalo, Missouri on Saturday, February 16th from 6-8pm. His funeral will be at the Christian Church on Sunday, February, 17, 2013 at 2pm. Internment is at Garden of Memories Cemetery, Buffalo, Missouri. Under the direction of the Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. He will be missed by a host of family and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mercy Hospital for their compassionate and professional care. Thank you to Dr. Meldi, Dr. Merritt, Sharon Morgan, and Dr. Wiggins.

Rex J. Shewmaker

February 10, 1932 - February 14, 2013