Rex Edwin Olson, 76, Perry, died at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021 at his residence of cancer.
He was born on February 3, 1945 in Jacksonville, the son of Roy Edwin and Mary Florine (Bergman) Olson. In 1965, he married Glenna Fay Miles of Beardstown.
He is survived by his wife Glenna; daughter, Michele of Perry, his son, Michael of Clayton, and Michael’s family, wife, Roxanne, son, Reed and daughter, Morgan, as well as his sister, Elgin Dee Krugler of Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother.
He attended Perry High School, graduating in 1963, and continued helping with class reunions and get-togethers. Rex served in the Army National Guard from 1966 to 1969, and served for 9 months in Vietnam. He has lived his whole life in Perry, with the exception of when he served his military duty.
After graduating he joined his father and brother as a farmer in the Perry area, until 1985, when he became the bridgetender at the Florence Bridge, and held that job until he retired in 2009. Rex was elected to many offices, including the Perry Grade School Board, the Perry High School Board, serving two years as President, Fairmount Township Precinct Committeeman, and the Perry Town Board, where he served as the President of the Board. He had been appointed to the Pike County Planning Commission and the Perry Cemetery Association, serving as the treasurer. He enjoyed bowling and joined various teams until his health prevented him from participating. He hand-wove baskets and caned chairs. In later years, he built up a woodworking shop, and liked to make furniture for his family and small, portable items to sell at various craft shows. He was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs football team, the St. Louis Blues hockey team and the Camp Point Central High School football team. He was a member of the Jaycees from 1974 to 1981, during which he served as various local, regional and state officer. After he aged out, he became a JCI senator. He was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years, participating in the ceremonies at various funerals in the area, helping with the upkeep of the flags that were put up for the patriotic holidays, and keeping the Honor Roll, including getting veteran information to help build the Veterans’ Memorial which is in the Perry Park. In recent years he acted as the Commander of the Perry Post. He also enjoyed traveling, and has been to 48 of the 50 states, as well as Canada. Rex liked to go out to the local “Liar’s table” for coffee and world problem solving. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.
He expressed his appreciation to those who helped him through his life, especially his wife, Glenna, and hoped he helped someone else make a better life in return.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3, 2021 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021 in the Perry Methodist Church in Perry, with Pastor Peg Ratliff officiating.
Military honors will follow at the Perry Veterans Monument conducted by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail and the Perry and Griggsville American Legion Post.
Inurnment will be at a later date in the Wilson-McCord Cemetery in Perry, Illinois.
The State of Illinois has mandated that masks are required for those attending the visitation and services.
Memorial funds have been established at the Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials (120 S. Madison, Pittsfield, IL 62363/ (217) 285-5424) for use in their food bank, 2 x 4s for Hope (5700 N. 24th Street, Quincy, IL 62305 / (217) 617-8500, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com.
The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements.
