passed away under the care of Hospice Maui.
He was born on July 4, 1916 in Paia, the oldest of 10 children.
After a 3-year stint with the Civilian Conservation Corp in Haleakala Crater and Volcano National Park, he served 6 years in the U.S Army, including a tour of duty in Espiritu Santo and Guadalcanal. Rex worked for Hawaiian Telephone Company for 32 years. After retirement, he enjoyed another 20 years working as a driver for several tour companies. His hobbies included ham radio, bicycling, hiking & tennis.
Rex is pre-deceased by his wife of 67 years, Georgina Benevides Ornellas; children, Woodrow & Michael Ornellas, and parents John & Jane Ornellas. He is survived by sons, Rod (Gylene) Ornellas, Russ (Cheryl) Ornellas; daughter, Maile Phyllis (Tom) Walsh; brothers, Robert (Elizabeth) Ornellas, Don (Carol) Ornellas; sister-in-law, Mildred Higashiguchi; daughter-in-law, Sharon Ornellas; 9 grandchildren & 10 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Friday, January 5, 2018. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao.
