Rex L. McFarren

After graduating from Snider High School in 1967, Rex served in the United States Army from August 18,1969 until May 22,1971. While serving, a passion for helping people was born. He returned from service with a new purpose, dedicated to helping children as a social worker. He began his career as an advocate for children, eventually earning a master’s degree in social work and administration from IPFW.

The course of Rex’s professional life changed when he accepted a position to become the Director of Allen County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). For 38 years, he built a program that advocated for children caught in the family court system. Over three decades he guided the non-profit into a model of what CASA could be in Indiana, earning recognition for the program, securing funding for new offices, family visitation facilities and recruiting and training hundreds of volunteers for the express purpose of protecting and advocating for children.

Rex married his soul mate Carolyn “Madge” “Maggie” McFarren in 1973. Partners in all things, they built a life of family, friends, and love. He was the proud father of Jeremy (Erin Patton-McFarren) McFarren, Joshua (Sook J. Lee) McFarren, and Molly McFarren; and the devoted grandfather of Luna Rane, Olivia Maggie-Sue, Nigel David-Rex, Kai Rex and Jax Lee.

Rex was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Carolyn, on April 30, 2024 and his half-brother, Larry Parker.

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN, with words of remembrance by the family at 4:00 pm.

To honor Rex’s memory, please wear jeans and leave your ties at home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Allen County CASA, 1 East Main Street, #421, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.