Rex Duane Cearlock

Rex “Duane” Cearlock, beloved father and grandfather, passed away February 5, 2025, in New Braunfels, Texas. He was born September 17, 1933, in rural Rosamond Township, Christian County, Illinois, the son of Voris Carney Cearlock and Rosalind “Irene” Funk.

Duane met his future wife Nina Baldwyn at age 16, when both were members of the Stephen Decatur High School band in Decatur, Illinois. After dating for several years, the couple married June 21, 1954, in Decatur, and Nina joined him in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Duane was serving in the Army, assigned to the 330th Regiment Band at Camp Carson, now named Fort Carson. Duane played the alto sax. As a young man, he also performed with dance bands, both in Colorado and Illinois.

Following his military service, Duane and Nina returned to Decatur, where their daughters Sue, Linda, and Julie were born. Duane also returned to his previous employment with the Decatur Herald & Review, and began his career in newspaper circulation. During his career, the family also lived in Peoria, West Chicago, and Springfield, Illinois; Kingsport, Tennessee; Arlington and Hanover, Massachusetts; and San Antonio, Texas. After retiring as Circulation Director at the State Journal Register in Springfield, Illinois, in 1996, Duane and Nina returned to San Antonio to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. They remained in San Antonio until moving to Élan Westpointe, in New Braunfels, in 2021.

Duane and Nina enjoyed traveling throughout the continental United States, as well as Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Italy. In 2001 he and Nina traveled by motorhome to Alaska and back.

Duane enjoyed music, camping, riding his motorcycle, playing handball, attending sporting events, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Cowboys, and the University of Texas Longhorn football games on television. He also attended Judson High School football games with Sue for about 20 years.

Duane was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his brothers Bruce and Delbert. He is survived by his daughters Sue Tilleman of Schertz, Linda Hollibaugh (Brad) of Kingwood, and Julie Doti of New Braunfels, and grandchildren Pam Banks (Michael) of Cibolo, Matthew Tilleman of Austin, Robert Hollibaugh (fiance Dulcie Dahle) of New London, Connecticut, Phillip Hollibaugh (Luvia) of Kingwood, Amanda Arriola (Robert) of New Braunfels, 12 great grandchildren, brother Nyle Cearlock (Jeani) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, sister-in-law Nila Cearlock of Roseville, California, and friend Pam Bennett of Taylor.

Duane’s family would like to thank staff of both Élan Westpointe and Enhabit Home Health and Hospice for the care they provided to him.

A celebration of life will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels at 11 am on March 10th, followed by a service at 2 pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) at 912 Killian Hill Road SW Suite 105 Lilburn, GA 30047 or www.lbda.org.