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Obituaries
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page A-33
Rex Eby Schilling W
Rex Eby Schilling was born to Iva and Bernard
Coffman (later Schilling) on November 22, 1931, in
CambriavTownship, Michigan, and passed away on
September 11, 2020, in Vancouver, Washington.
He was predeceased in 2016 by Marj, his wife of 60
’ years, their daughter Linda in 1963, and their son
Mike in
The oldest of five boys, Rex grew up during the
Great Depression with few possessions or modern
necessities. He moved nearly every March with his
sharecropping parents until 1943, when they were
able to purchase their own farm in Hillsdale. De-
spite all the hardships and work, he spoke of his
childhood positively. Most stories revolved around
making something from nothing or fixing up oth-
ers’ castoffs to sell. The Hillsdale farm was also the
start of his career with bees, Which would play a key role in his future.
Rex was an avid student and voracious reader, habits he carried through—
out his life. Thumbing encyclopedias during school lunch periods was a fa-
vorite activity and his knowledge of a broad range of subjects was impres-
sive. After completing high school in 1950, he headed off to Michigan State
University, where he studied engineering. He also joined the ROTC, joking
that the purpose was to learn his left from his right during all the
march—
ing. In the spring of 1952, after ROTC participation in Holland,
Michigan’s
Tulip Festival Parade, he met Marj Bruns and her twin sister Marlene while
the girls played tennis at Hope College. That summer, his job as a state
bee
inspector allowed for more meetings with Marj. He’d say with a grin that
sometimes the job took him to Holland, but most times, he took the job
there.
In November 1952, out of money for school and romance, he enlisted in the
US Army. After sub-zero Basic Training at Fort Riley, KS, he was sent to
ra—
dio school at Fort Gordon, GA, where, as he often joked, he finally thawed
out
about June. Unable to meet the typing-speed requirement for intercept op-
erators, he trained as a radio repairman. The twins had moved to New York
City by that time to continue their nursing school, so he’d cover other
guys’
‘KP or guard duty for travel money to go see Marj. His final year in the
Army
was spent in Germany eavesdropping on the Soviets and rattling around the
countryside on a GI Harley he’d pieced together from three wrecks.
Returning to the States in September 1955, Rex landed in NYC to be near
Marj, who had a year of nursing school left at Cornell. They were married
on June 16, 1956, and the whirlwind was on! Marj graduated that Septem-
ber and they movedback-to East Lansing so he could resume college. Mike,
Chuck, and J Ohn were all born during their MSU days, but they got by onhis
GI Bill, her nursing work, keeping bees, and selling literally tons of
honey.
Rex opted for a BA in mathematics in December 1959 to finish school
sooner than an engineering degree would allow—and before any more kids
arrived. He took a job as Field Engineer with Sperry and built a 25-year
career working on the inertial navigation systems of the Polaris and
Trident
nuclear submarines. After orientation on Long Island in 1960, it was off to
Kittery, ME, where Ruth and Linda were born. Temporary jaunts to New
London and Cape Kennedy filled the ‘605, while the ‘70s included stays
in
Port Orchard, WA, and Vallejo and Long Beach, CA. In 1980, having ditched
the kids at various points along the way, the couple ran off to Guam
(spurred
by Rex’s job) for a couple years of quality time. They returned to the
North-
west, where Rex finished up with Sperry in 1986.Rex and Marj then moved
to Shelton, WA, and lived there until 2015.They spent their twilight years
in
Vancouver near Ruth and her family.
Rex was the father of five, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of
thirteen. If you were family, he was inyour corner no matter what, though
a lecture might be delivered along with the required help. He loved his ex-
.
tended family, too, and traveled back to Michigan from all over the country
for visits. Dad instilled in us the value of personal relationships and
looking
out for those you love.
Rex’s work ethic was second to none; if something wasn’t done right and
done well, it wasn’t done. He had a knack for turning whatever was on
hand
into the right thing for the job. His innate intelligence and acquired
experi—
ence let see things from multiple angles and he was thinking outside the
box long before the phrasecame into vogue. Similarly, he could spot
peoples’
talents and coach them into effective teams. He didn’t care what people
did
for a living, as long as they did their best. He respected all levels of
laborer,
having done the menial and tedious himself for years.
Rex, in tandem with Marj, were amazing community members wherever
they lived. He was a 4-H leader on two coasts plus Guam, a Lions Club mem-
ber, a volunteer fireman, and an elder in two churches. Dad was recently
described by a fellow parishioner as “wise in the Lord”. He went on
mission
trips and worked on all kinds of service projects. Rex and Marj were
founding
board members of Habitat of Humanity of Mason County (WA) and worked.
tirelessly there over many years, helping to build their first homes. Out-
side of these organizations, Rex often helped folks individually, in.small
and
big ways. Most of the time his aid came in the form of help up, not a
handout,
and, he would always brush off thanks or accolades by saying others had
done
the same for him. Rex was very kind to all, never met a stranger, and was
an
epic storyteller. '
Rex did not complain and always had a positive attitude. He spent the last
several months of his life in self-described“solitary confinement” due
to the
COVID lockdown at his assisted-living facility. Even then, when asked how
he was, his reply was inevitably, “Better than most.” ‘ '
In lieu of cards or flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation
in
Rex’s honor to Habitat for Humanity of Mason County (WA) or to the Heimé
bigner Hospice Care Center, where Rex received incredible, compassionate
’ attention during'his final days. 0
_al, along with a Purple Heart.
Mark McKern
MAY 15, 1981 —— OCTOBER 7, 2020
On October 7th, 2020, Mark McKern, after years
of fighting addiction and mental illness, gave up the
fight which ended his life unexpectedly, Causing a
deep void in everyone’s lives that knew him.
Mark was never the type to be defined by his ill-
~~" ness or his addiction but was a fighter for what he
wanted causing each and every day to be a struggle
for him. He fought for so long to overcome his past,
his decisions and fought for his chance to start over
on the path we all know he wanted. The path that
brought him joy and meaning in life and the path
he just kept striving for. His life held adventure;
but not the adventure you would think when you
hear those words but every day in Mark’s life took
determination and stamina to fight and hold on an-
other day as most of our own loved one’s just might
fight today.
There’s so much to say about Mark and the life
he lived. He was a Father, a Son, a Brother and a
friend. He is survived by his parents; Tim and Sheri
McKern, brother Timothy McKern, II, sister Kristi-
na Cray, 3 nieces; Samantha, Rose and Lilly, three
nephews; Bryan, Nathan and Timmy, cousin Shan-
non, Grandmother Polly Hall, and Mark’s daughter
Ava who was his world, his light and his compass.
Mark was born on May 15th,1981, in Washing-
ton, where he spent most of his life residing in dif-
ferent areas throughout the state. Mark was proba-
bly most known for his cooking. His food was always
made with such love. Whether it was baking from
scratch with his niece for a church function, creat-
ing new and inventive dishes which he got from our parents or the elaborate
lunch he just had to make; Mark always was right on cue even if we didn’t
know it was what we wanted or even sometimes needed. He shared his love
of cooking at multiple establishments, developing a number of friendships
and relationships which we can be thankful for today.
Mark’s true character was full of joy and happiness. He brought joy into
every family function and into every interaction he could. When Mark was
around it was just laughter and jokes thatwas caught by all. It was a
conta-
gious joy that carried throughout time and has touched so many throughout
his life. Even as he struggled, we all knew that was his gift to everyone
he
came in contact with.
Mark was a protector. Even if you didn’t need» protecting or didn’t
think
you needed protecting, Mark was there. We can find peace in knowing he
is still protecting and watching over us today. There is not a day that
goes
by we won’t think of our beloved Mark. We love you Mark and We pray you
found peace. ‘
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the
world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John
14:27 .
No Service is planned at this time but “Hug your family daily”
Charles Eddie Needham
Charles Eddie Needham, the son of Gerald Need-
ham and Stephana A. Needham, (Vylasek). Born
in Shelton, June 18, 1943, passed away October 9,
2020, in the VA Hospital in Seattle with many com-
plications.
He is survived by his wife Edieyn C. Inolino, liv-
ing in Alaska along with two son’s Charles E. and
Eddie C. N eedham, also two daughters; Dodie Lynn
(Crake) Needham and Jasmine Upson, sisters;
Leah Allen, Bernice Bunko, Geraldine Worsley, and
our brother Steve N eedham.
Charlie at the age of 17, worked for the Forest
Service Government lookout operator for two sum-
mers. After graduation, he served in the Navy for
four years 1964-1968 and is a Vietnam Vet. He re-
ceived a Expedition medal and Good Conduct medx
Charlie enjoyed working as an accomplished painter and plasterer for
most of his life. He loved fishing, hunting and other activities
Washington
and Alaska offered. He moved to Alaska and enjoyed life with his wife and
two sons before he became ill. ,
There will‘be no memorial service. His ashes will be sent to Alaska, as
he
wished.-
Donations should be sent to an organization that supports Veterans that
have been exposed to Agent Orange. v'
Charlie will be missed and loved by all.
Psalm 116215
Call us at 360-426-4412
to place an obituary or other notice.