Mr. Rex E. Arrowsmith

March 2, 1934 - December 8, 2017

Rex Edwin Arrowsmith was born March 3, 1934 to Floyd and Marcella Arrowsmith in Stuart Nebraska. He passed away on December 8, 2017 at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett. Rex was educated in rural School District #67 and graduated from Rock County High School in 1951. He attended Colorado State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1955. He served 2 years in the US Army and 2 years in the Army National Guard. In 1961 he was united in marriage to Connie B. Funk in Atkinson. To this union two children were born, Roger Arrowsmith and Terri Lynn Arrowsmith. In 1999 he was married to Cheryl (Bretz) (Ditter) Coleman in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. They returned to Bassett for the remaining 18 years of marriage. Rex was very active in community and state activities; Rock County High School Board of Education, Rock County Commissioner, Rock County Airport Board, Nebraska High School Advisory Board State of Nebraska, State of Nebraska Dept. of Aging, (State Chairman for 4 years,) Rock County Ambassador to the Knights of Aksarben for 30 years, active in the American Legion, Shriners, Masons, Lions, and Ainsworth Elks Lodge #1790. He enjoyed flying his airplane, driving his Yellow Shriner car and helping others. He retired after 40 years in the ranching-agriculture business, then worked for Hoch Funeral Home, Inc. for 20 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Marcella Arrowsmith, sister Wanda Arrowsmith, brother Larry "Tony" Arrowsmith, wife Connie Funk Arrowsmith. He leaves to mourn his passing, wife Cheryl, son Roger and wife Deb Arrowsmith, Brandon, South Dakota, daughter Terri Lynn Moorman, Kearney, Nebraksa, brother Dennis Arrowsmith of Bassett, sister-in-law, Judy Arrowsmith, of Mills, Nebraska. Step children, John Ditter of Giltner, Nebraska, Jana Zulkoski, of Bassett, JoDee Saunders of Dana Point, California, and Julie Owens of Grand Island. Grandchildren, Kayti Schwarting and husband Kent, Tyler Craven and wife Cassie, Adam Frerichs and wife Mckenzie, Jeff Frerichs and wife Elizabeth, Spencer Arrowsmith and wife Madison, and Trevor Arrowsmith. Eight great-grandchildren. Step grandchildren, Rhiauna Happold, Sabra Ditter, Hilary, Stevie Marie and Ryan Saunders, Brooke and husband Corey Schneckloth, Whitney and husband Luke Farrar. Three great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Bassett with Pastor Michelle Byerly officiating at the service. Music was provided by Kristie Sybrant-Keller singing "Be Still My Soul." and the saxophone selection of "Amazing Grace" was provided by Stan Libolt. Pallbearers were Barry Frerichs, Jeremiah Schartz, Terry Foxworthy, Jim Anderson, Phil Paxton and Joe McBride. Honorary Casketbearers were Rex's grandchildren, Adam Frerichs, Jeff Frerichs, Spencer Arrowsmith, Trevor Arrowsmith, Tyler Craven, and Kayti Schwarting. Organizational Rites were provided by the Ainsworth Silver Cord Lodge #224 AF & AM. Burial followed in the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Bassett American Legion Post #123. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett was in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials were suggested to the Rock County High School Foundation.