Rex Millsap

Rex Eugene Millsap was born May 28, 1936 in rural Atchison County near Fairfax, MO to George William & Laura Fern (Reid) Millsap. He peacefully left this world on Dec. 29, 2012 with his wife and family by his bedside at 76 years, 7 months and 1 day. Rex & his family resided near Fairfax for 16 years and attend school there. At a young age, Rex joined his father and brothers doing custom hay bailing for a wide area of local farmers. Being the youngest, Rex’s father sat him on the tractor instructing him to drive straight ahead as his brothers loaded the hay on the wagon. Rex loved and respected his family.

After leaving school, Rex traveled to CA to try harvesting fruit, but decided that wasn’t for him. He returned home and began working in several meatpacking plants as well as a farmhand. He then traveled to Kansas City, MO to work for his brother-in-law, Joe Bill Long doing custom building of basements. For nearly 23 years. He worked as a foreman for Long Construction for many years. He was a hard, honest working giving those under him a fair chance.

Rex was united in marriage to Betty Griffin in 1959 & to this union three sons were born, Robert Wayne, Richard “Rick” and James Shannon. Rex loved playing practical jokes on family & friends. He enjoyed family gatherings and parties. If you ever needed anything, Rex would be the first one there to help. His constant companion was his dog, Julie. He also enjoyed his horses, Angel & Shawnee. The famous “Pony Express” rides were the highlight of his life with his brother, Larry & nephew, Cody. Rex would’ve made a wonderful pony express mail carrier in the Old West.

Rex later married Ruby Ann (Windle) Howell on Dec. 31, 1988 at the home of her sister, Kay & the honorable Mayor Ron Chambers, which extended his family to four sons and a daughter. The couple looked forward to Friday date nights for an evening out to eat, seeing a movie or dancing at the Eagles Club in Bellevue. His pet project was helping his wife at the Malvern Sr. Center, where he implemented lots of plans for the new center, which relocated in the community building. Rex had many coffee buddies and friends in the community. He worked hard beside his wife to attain a good place for the young & old to meet, have fun and enjoy meals together. He reached out in friendship to all and will be missed by all that have TRULY known him.

Preceding Rex in death were his parents, George and Fern Millsap, siblings, Beth Ann Casillis, Bonnie Long & husband, Bill Millsap, brother-in-law, Virgil Hubbard & infant brother. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Ruby Ann Millsap of Malvern, IA; sons, Robert Wayne Millsap of Ft. Dodge, IA: Rick & wife Christie Millsap of Lothrup, MO; James Shannon Millsap of Washington D.C.; Mitzi & Jeff Fink of Silver City, IA; Tim & Norma Howell of Malvern, IA; grandchildren, Jamie of Claycomo, MO; Amber of Ft. Dodge, IA; Derrick, Christopher & Jessica of Lothrop, MO; Bradley Fink of rural Malvern, IA; Patrick & David of Malvern, IA; great-grandchildren, Harley, Sophie & Layne Fink of Silver City, IA; siblings, Virginia Hubbard of Signoury, IA; Max & Frances Millsap of Stacy, MN; Larry & Bonnie Millsap of Omaha, NE; Jean Curtis; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

Interment will be held at a later date.

Visitation:Friday, January 4, 2013
5:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534

Service:Saturday, January 5, 2013
1:30 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534