COLUMBUS/DEFOREST—Rex Williams age 87, passed away with family by his side on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at his home. He was born on February 4, 1928 in Mount Hope/Cassville area to Harold and Cleora "Tootie" (Fivecoats) Sendelbach. He was a 1946 graduate of Cassville High School where he held the school record for most points scored in a basketball game (39) for many years. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in April 1946 and served in the 340th Engineer Construction Battalion in Korea and was honorably discharged in October of 1947. He received the World War II Victory Medal. Rex attended telegraph school for nine months in Minneapolis, MN and then worked as an expert railroad telegrapher and station manager in Western and Midwestern states for both the Soo Line and the Milwaukee Road. He met and fell in love with Berniece "Becky" Christians and they were married on January 12, 1954 in Columbus. They were happily married for 61 years and raised six children. Rex managed the Midway Bar in Sauk City for several years. He was also a successful insurance rep for the Pennsylvania Life Co.; sales rep for Richland Building Systems and Dubuque Insulation and Siding Co.. Rex liked to greet people by saying, "I'm glad that you got to meet me today". Rex loved to play cribbage, learning from his stepdad, Sandy, when he was six. He loved sports and played softball for many years. When he could no longer play, he coached American Legion Baseball teams in Columbus. He loved to watch his sons and their friends play basketball and baseball and always had good advice, as he had a deep knowledge and insight in each sport. Late in life, Rex took up golf. As a natural athlete, he became an excellent golfer and loved the time he was able to spend playing with his friends and family. His Thunderbird was a familiar sight at the Columbus Country Club for many years. Rex was a hardworking and thoughtful, caring parent, a loving husband and father, a wonderful role model, advisor and friend to his children and grandchildren. He shared many wonderful stories about his life experiences, and he loved to laugh and spend time with his many friends and his family. He had a happy, full life and we will miss him. We offer this prayer to honor his life and his memory: Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done, Then in Thy mercy, grant us safe lodging, and holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen. Survivors include his wife, Becky of DeForest; one daughter, Tanna (Gregory) Walsh of Sylvania OH; four sons, Tyler (Cindy) of Lombard IL, Tracey (Jeri) of Columbus, Trent (Pam) of Appleton, Thomas (Lisa) of Madison; eleven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Dodd and a brother, Raymond, both of Prairie du Sac; daughter-in-law, Doris Schmitt of Columbus; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tad; grandson, Tobin; granddaughter, Theresa Walsh; brother, Stanley, and sister, Arlene Turgasen. A memorial service was held at 4:00 P.M., with visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M., on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the OLIVET CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST. Columbus. Pastor Paul Lundgren officiated. Military honors followed. Memorials may be directed to the Tobin Williams Scholarship Fund at the Columbus High School.