Norman J. Rex, 86, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 2:55 p.m. at the Memorial Hospital, Marysville.

He was born on June 27, 1934, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Dick O. and Margaret (Johnston) Rex. On Oct. 7, 1956, Norman married Kay Maxson and she survives in Ada. They were coming up on their 65th wedding anniversary.

Also surviving are his four children: Sylvia (Ron) Jurcak of Burton, Valerie (Jamie) Hall of Ada, Clinton (Tracy) Rex of Marietta, Ga., and Kevin Rex of Ottawa; and seven grandchildren: Jessica Jurcak, Andrew Jurcak, Noelle (Mike) Thielman, Ethan Hall, Kyle Rex, Nate Hall and Colin Rex.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Craig O. Rex.  

Norman grew up in Harrod, Ohio, and graduated from Harrod High School. He graduated from Ohio Northern University and received his Master's Degree in Education from Ohio University.

Norman retired from Rhodes State College, Lima, where he was the Dean of Engineering Technologies. He was a lifelong educator and previously taught at Ada High School, Waynesfield High School, and Ohio Northern University.

Norman was a lifelong woodcarver, carpenter and collector of all things old. 

Throughout his life Norman served the Ada community as a councilman, mayor, as a member of the Community Improvement Community, a founding member of the Ada Tree Commission, a member of the Ada Kiwanis Club and served as an election officer for Ada. 

Norman designed the “Welcome to Ada” sign. He served as an Explorer Scout Leader and received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America. 

He helped with the Lincoln Highway garage sales, and the Railroad Depot Historical Designation Projects. Norman and his wife, Kay, taught Family to Family classes through their involvement with the National Alliance for Mental Illiness.   

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ada and served as a church trustee and deacon. Norman also served his profession and community in the Lima Area Wood Carvers Associaton, the Ohio Industrial Arts Association, the National Industrial Arts Association and  the Area Agency on Aging. 

He judged woodworking projects for the Allen and Wyandot County fairs and the Ohio State Fair. Norman loved hunting, camping, fishing and playing cards with friends. His nicknames were: Big Bear T Square and Storming Norman. He was the resident Woodsmith at the Hardin County fair grounds and since has donated his historic tools to the Geauga County Historical Village in Burton, Ohio. Norman touched many lives but most of all he loved his family and friends.  One of Norman’s favorite things to do was vacationing in Michigan with his family.     

Attendance will be restricted at the funeral and visitation based on space to accommodate social distancing requirements. Face coverings must be worn while attending visitation and service. 

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m.on Friday, April 23, at the First United Methodist Church of Ada with Pastor Brandi Rigsby and Ron Weihrauch officiating.  Burial will be in Auglaize Cemetery, Harrod.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 22, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Ohio Food Bank and/or the Ada Food Pantry and/or the Cherry Street Mission Ministry of Toledo.