Rex Winston Schwatken
April 23, 1936 ~ August 3, 2023
Rex Winston Schwatken went to be with our Lord on August 3, 2023 surrounded by loving family. He was born April 23, 1936, in Montgomery Co. KS to Erbin and Marian (Greer) Schwatken. He was raised on a farm with brother Elwood and two sisters, Lillian (Day) and Shirley (Keath). He graduated from Fredonia High School in 1954.
He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lee Short, February 5, 1954, at Sacred Heart Church in Fredonia KS. They spent 69 years together. They had two daughters, Marcia (Bret) Crater and Terri (Alan) Wise as well as deceased infant son, Russell Lee.
Rex and Sharon moved to Wichita, KS where they made their home for 70 years.
Rex and Sharon had five Grandchildren, five Great-grandchildren and one Great great-grandchild.
Rex joined the Wichita City Fire Dept. when he was 21 and retired in 1979. Following retirement, he worked at B & G Gaming.
Services will be held Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 10:00 A.M at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Reception and visitation to follow service. Contributions can be made to Kansas Firefighter’s Museum, 1300 S. Broadway Street, Wichita, KS 67211.
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Prayers to Sharon, Marsha and Terri. What happy memories of this awesome man and his family as I was growing up. Our parents taught us so much.
Prayers to the Family. RIP good man great Firefighter.
The final bell has sounded, and Rex is answering the call. Godspeed Rex, career Wichita Firefighter. Thank you.
Thought and prayers to Sharon and her family! I will remember Rex and his sense of humor! Always fun to be around Rex! Will miss my second cousin, but have a lot of fond memories of Rex
Rex lived on the Wilson/Montgomery County Road growing up. Our farm was at the end of that road. We passed their house anytime we went anyplace. I was friends with his sister, Shirley. Since he was older, I didn’t really know him, just thought he was so handsome. I’ve visited with him at several Lafontaine School Reunion. Until I read his obituary, didn’t realize he was a fire fighter.
My Mom and Dad were great friends with Rex and Sharon and as kids we visited them often.
Loved all his stories about being a firefighter.
Rex and Sharon were always the first in line to check on Daddy when he was in the hospital in Wichita and sharing their home and hospitality whenever needed.
Will miss that big smile of his.
Kathy Pryor Rudd