Rex D. Schrader

Rex Schrader was an extraordinary man to know and love. Although he accomplished much, he was a humble man whose greatest source of pride and joy was found in the family he shared with his beloved bride, Lori. A more devoted family man would be hard to find, and Rex treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy of his love and faith in God; his joy and commitment to family; and his entrepreneurial drive mixed uniquely with the desire to encourage and be a catalyst for the success of others.

Denzil and Betty (Miller) Schrader became proud parents of their son Rex D. born on February 15th, 1943 in Ft. Wayne, IN. He was Denzil and Betty's second child, with an older sister and dear friend, Judy.
Growing up, Rex loved basketball and played non-stop in his farmhouse kitchen. He almost cracked the ceiling with his constant shooting! He enjoyed family and loved the big Thanksgiving gatherings in the Schrader rec room. He attended local schools including Columbia City High School where he played in the band and was in the men's quartet. Rex raised and showed pigs at the state fair. After graduating from high school in 1961, Rex furthered his education at the University of Arizona and Indiana University, Bloomington, earning his MBA in 1967.

Rex's faith in God shone through his life and guided his path. A member of First Church of God for many years, Rex dedicated much time to the leadership of the church. An active supporter of missions, Rex and Lori supported First Church of God's mission in Haiti as well as many missionaries around the world, touching countless lives with Christ's love. Rex was also a dedicated member of the Gideons for many years. His faithfulness and desire to serve Christ were an example to many.

Known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial drive, Rex was well respected. He started auctioneering at the young age of 13 in the livestock barn when his father had to take a phone call. It has been said that Rex was the best auctioneer ever, as he not only conducted some of the largest land auctions in the world, but filled a room with energy and excitement as he auctioneered. Rex and his company developed an innovative technology for conducting large land auctions. Building upon the business started by his father, Rex built a world class company operating across the US. This company will now be carried on by his son. Rex was inducted into the National and Indiana Auctioneers Associations' Hall of Fame.

Rex's professional reputation however was greater than a talented auctioneer and entrepreneur. Reflecting his strong Christian faith, Rex loved people and was always ready to help staff, clients and partners. He strove for integrity in all situations.

Although a very busy businessman, Rex increasingly recognized that family was most important in his life. He was blessed to become a father to five children including Rex II, Evette, Stacie, Stephanie, and Krista. Later in life Rex found Lori whom he adored and loved fully. They met at First Church of God. When he asked to court her, Rex was her boss at Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company. On January 1, 2009, he married Lori in Columbia City. With their marriage Rex also gained amazing stepchildren: Wendy, Jama, and Thomas.

Throughout his life Rex made the most of each and every moment he was given. Rex and Lori shared a love and gift for hospitality and a zest for travel. He loved hosting people at their Florida and Indiana homes and was always ready for a good game of Euchre. He looked forward to Schrader family trips to Colorado, trips with the Drapers and Stacie's family to Europe, and he had the time of his life on his honeymoon in Arizona.
So proud to be a grandfather, Rex loved holding his grandbabies. He especially enjoyed boating with his children and grandchildren, and fishing with his grandchildren was another favorite. Over the years he drove many miles and put in countless hours for horse shows, cattle shows, 4-H, and state fair. There was even the time during the blizzard of 1978 when Rex rode horseback with his kids to the grocery store for food. He loved ice cream, was a fan of IU basketball, and often listened to Johnny Cash.

Described as a go-getter with an upbeat and positive attitude, Rex Schrader was someone everyone seemed to know. He had a glimmer in his eye when he got excited about something, and he loved to compete but also to see others succeed. Someone who never slowed down, his zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Though his body was stricken by Parkinson's disease for the last ten years of his life, his spirit, his drive, his compassion, and his commitment to the things of the Lord were renewed day by day by his precious Savior. In God's sovereignty, many lives were blessed and strengthened as they witnessed how he did not lose heart, though his outward body wasted away (2 Corinthians 4:16). To God be the Glory forever and ever. Deeply loved, Rex will be forever missed.

Rex D. Schrader, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 6:55 a.m. on Friday, December 28, 2018, at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. Rex's family includes his wife, Lori of Columbia City; children, Rex II (Holly) Schrader of Columbia City, Evette (Danny) Mosquera of Fort Myers, FL, Stacie (Misha) Timina of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Stephanie (Darrel) Gudeman of Warsaw, and Krista (Jim) Pope of Columbia City; step-children, Wendy (Steve) Dingeldein of Durham, NC, Jama (Nate) Stull and Thomas (Maddi) Weimer both of Pierceton; 21 grandchildren; sister, Judy (Fred) Geyer of Columbia City. Rex was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may call from 12-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, and Thursday, January 3, 2019, at First Church of God 1200 West Depoy Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Rex will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 4, 2019, at the church with calling one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Compton Cemetery, Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Rex may be made to Gideons, Bear Lake Camp, or First Church of God. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.