Rex Edward Siddens, the son of Ed David and Alta Maude (Runyon) Siddens, was born May 29, 1921, in Tarkio, Missouri. He attended Homer country school to the eighth grade. Rex then went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps and for area farmers. On June 16, 1942, he joined the United States Army and served his country during World War II, taking part in the European Theatre. Rex received his honorable discharge on October 13, 1945.
On January 30, 1946, Rex was united in marriage to Willie Pauline Kirk in Hiawatha, Kansas. They made their home west of Rock Port, Missouri. Rex was employed as a farmhand for Dean Fischer, Jay Lytle, and Harold Luhrs,
and by Ross Murry at the filling station. In the 1960’s, Rex was employed as a farmhand for Raymond Ottmann, and then by Raymond’s son, Keith, until retiring in the middle 2000’s.
Rex and Pauline loved children, and cherished the moments that they spent with their nieces and nephews. They were also avid animal lovers, and at one time cared for over 50 farm cats. Rex enjoyed helping Pauline in her large vegetable and flower gardens. Their gardens were so admired, that travelers would stop on the interstate to look at their beautiful gardens. Rex also enjoyed going on walks and visiting with friends. Even into his early 90’s he was regularly seen walking early in the morning on Main Street.
Rex was baptized with his wife, Pauline, at the First Christian Church in Rock Port by Rev. Ed Cox on January 30, 1966, where he was a member, and served as an Elder and on the Church Board. He was also a member of the Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Pauline passed away March 30, 2004. Rex passed away Monday, May 27, 2019, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 97.
In addition to his parents and wife, Pauline, Rex was preceded in death by one brother and five sisters. Survivors include special nephew, Charles (Patricia) Kirk, Riviera, Texas; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and more friends than one can count.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 1, 2019, at First Christian Church, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor Terry Robison. Interment was at Greenhill Cemetery, Rock Port. Military rites are under the auspices of Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port.
Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.
