Rex Larry Smeltzer

Rex L. Smeltzer, 93, of Kokomo, peacefully passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 13, 2025, at his home. Rex was born on July 15, 1932, in Wakarusa, IN, to Elmer and Osee (Heckaman) Smeltzer. On May 7, 1955, he married Sue L. Shutt at Main Street United Methodist Church in Kokomo, and they shared 58 joyful years until Sue's passing in 2013. Demonstrating his enduring capacity for love, Rex was blessed to find companionship again when he married Karen Lewis on June 1, 2019.

Rex graduated from Kokomo High School in 1950 and honorably served in the United States Navy. After his service, he returned to Kokomo and joined the family's business, Crescent Dairy, where he worked as operator and co-owner until 1965. In 1966, he and Sue opened a Dari-Castle restaurant franchise on the south side of Kokomo. In 1971, they renamed it the Cone Palace and operated it together until their retirement in 1995. The restaurant became a local landmark and a gathering place for generations of customers.

Rex was a dedicated member of the First Congregational Christian Church of Kokomo for nearly 70 years, serving on various church boards and ministries. He cherished summers at his lake house on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, IN, where he spent countless hours boating, relaxing, and hosting family gatherings that spanned generations. Rex and Sue also enjoyed many winters in Islamorada, FL, where they built friendships and savored the beauty of the Keys. Rex had an unwavering passion for the game of tennis, approaching the sport with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit throughout his life. He played actively until his mid-80s when his knees finally forced him to rest. Above all, Rex was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His generosity, both in spirit and deed, was a defining trait of his character.

Rex is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Cindy (Brad) Quinn of Indianapolis, and Jeff (Lisa) Smeltzer of Westfield; grandchildren Jordan (Peter) Hanscom, Hayden (Grace) Quinn, and Allie Quinn (Jordan Cobb); and great-grandsons Camden and Miles Hanscom. He also leaves Karen's children, Nathan Lewis, Carolyn Jackson, and Daniel Lewis, and her grandchildren, Kynzee Halter, Brayton Lewis, Kylie Lewis, Ellee Lewis, and Jozie Jackson. He is further survived by sisters-in-law Melvita Shutt and Kathi Stewart, and brother-in-law Jeffery (Diana) Collins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ronald and Max Smeltzer.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Monday October 20, 2025, at First Congregational Church, 505 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo, IN 46901. A funeral service celebrating Rex’s life will begin at 1 pm on Monday at the church with Pastor Jon Tice officiating. A link will be available at the bottom of Rex's obituary to view the funeral livestream at 1 pm on Monday. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rex's name to the First Congregational Christian Church of Kokomo or the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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