Rex Eugene Updike

Rex Eugene Updike, 87, of Bartonville, Illinois, died Monday evening February 13, 2012 at Pekin Hospital in Pekin, Illinois surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 10, 1924 in Ottumwa, Iowa. He was the son of John and Rosa (Connor) Updike. He first married Della Lamb in November of 1946, she preceded him in death on August of 1981. He later married Patsy Vollmer on April 23, 1983 in Bartonville. She survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Rose Marie (Frank)Stetler of Bartonville, Illinois, and one son, James (Kathy) Lamb of Peoria. He has three step daughters surviving, Judy Gray of Olmsted, Illinois, Jody Parker of Peoria, Illinois and Shelbi Johnson of Coppell, Texas. There are four grandchildren surviving, Frank Stetler Jr., Angela Caragher, Dale Updike, Sarah Lamb, and 4 step grandchildren, Michael and Michelle Turner, Jamie Gray and Brandan Johnson. There are also four great grandchildren, Kevin updike, Nicholas and Bethany Stetler, and Joshua Updike and one step great grandchild, Presley Gray. Rex will be missed by his faithful canine companion, “Fiesty”. He was preceded in death by two sons, Rex Updike II and Stephen Updike, and one grandson, Rex Updike III, and two brothers, Gavin and Richard Updike.

Rex was the General Yardmaster for the P+PU Railroad working over 40 years retiring in 1984. He was a WWII Navy veteran. Rex was a member of the Bartonville American Legion Post 979 and the Living Hope Community Church in Bartonville. Rex loved bowling and was a master woodworker. He enjoyed collecting and displaying his railroad memorabilia.

Funeral Services will be at Noon on Friday, February 17, 2012 at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. The Pastor Joseph Bella will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior services at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

After graveside services, everyone is invited back to the Living Hope Community Church for food and fellowship with Rex’s Family.

Memorials may be made to his Church. You may view Rex’s life story or create on line condolences at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.