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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
October 22, 2020     Shelton Mason County Journal
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October 22, 2020
 
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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.