Rexford Carlisle Early

Rexford Carlisle Early was born on July 26, 1934 in Springfield, Missouri. He was the only child of Henry and Gertrude Early. Born in the Great Depression, the family moved around looking for work and eventually settled in Vincennes, Indiana. There he met the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Barbara Ann Shepard.

Rex graduated from Lincoln High School where he was a standout pitcher. He tried out for the Cardinals and played semi-pro baseball for a time. Rex graduated from Indiana University but also studied at Indiana State University and Vincennes University, where he would later serve as their long time Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

He moved to Indianapolis after college looking for work and co-founded Mid-States Engineering, eventually selling the business. He then founded Carlisle Insurance, which again, he eventually sold. A true self-made man, he started with “$40 and a run down single-wide trailer”.

Although he was very successful at business, his first love was politics. His book, It’s A Mighty Thin Pancake That Don’t Have Two Sides, chronicled his many political escapades and his Rexisms. He also became semi-famous (his term) for his years on the cable show, Indiana Week in Review. And his annual hog nut party with Jug Eckert was legendary.

A staunch conservative and patriot, he loved the workings of government. He was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives at age 28 and could never get enough. His influence spanned 6 decades serving as Republican State Chairman and eventually running for Governor in 1996. His last hurrah was agreeing to serve as Indiana Chairman for a then Presidential long shot, Donald Trump.

He coached CYO football for many years influencing the lives of thousands of young men. For his many years of service to youth, he was awarded both the St. John Bosco and Monsignor Busald awards by the CYO. His community service history and awards are far too numerous to mention but it would be hard to find anyone who gave more time for the good of the people of Indiana and this Country, than he. That’s why he was named a “Sagamore of the Wabash” by seven different Governors; both Republicans and Democrats.

But of all he accomplished and with all the lives he touched, the one thing he was proudest of was being a Marine. He was stationed in Japan with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and although he only actively served for two years, he was truly a Marine for life. He lived by those standards his entire life. His character and loyalty were his trademark. He would never trade old friends for new, and he was definitely the guy you would want in a foxhole with you.

He loved his family and this Country, and he showed it everyday.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Patrick (Kirstine), Angela (Rich) Schroeder, and Michael (Lisa), grandchildren Barton Early, Lindsay Schroeder, Emily Schroeder, Bailee (Cody) Akin, Erica Early, Shaela Early, Kianna Early, and Braxton Early, and one great grandchild, Tinlee Akin. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Little Sisters of the Poor.

Visitation for Rex will be at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 15th from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Additional visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 16th at the church and conclude at time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment follows at Union Chapel Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life for Rex will follow services at White River Yacht Club Wednesday, 11/16/2022 12:00pm-3:00pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuary.com for the Early family.