On Saturday, September 10, 2022, Rex Gene Chism, 92, passed away. He was born in Swayzee, Indiana, on Friday, February 28, 1930, to Ferel (Pell) and Hazel (Barker) Chism.
Rex graduated from Swayzee High School in 1949 and went on to serve in the United States Navy. He owned his own businesses–Dyna Vac furnace cleaning and also the famous Chism’s Corner Truck Stop. Rex never met a stranger and, wherever he went, always knew someone. When he was 91 years of age, he wrote a book about events that happened in and around Swayzee. He was an amazing man and coined the term “Chism-isms” and could always make you laugh. He will be severely missed but will forever be in our hearts.
Rex married Clara May (Tomlinson) on March 5, 1960, who survives. Also surviving are his sister, Betty Jo Daily of Speedway; son, Greg (Kathy) Chism of Pierceton; grandkids, Joshua (Brooke) Hecox of Wabash, Brandon (Terra) Chism of Jonesboro, Ashley (Wade) Tully of North Manchester, Natasha (Stacy) Harris of Trenton, GA, and Jareth (Lisha Glasscock) Chism of North Manchester; great-grandkids, Dezaree, Allie, Katlynn, Cameron, Teraka, Madison, Cassie, Christian, Tristan, Ryan, Jayden, Liam, and Drake; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; daughter, Tracy Chism Hecox; and brothers, Wayne and Jim Chism.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, September 16, 2022, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St., Swayzee, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Rex’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with John Long officiating.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com. To send flowers to the family of Rex, please visit our floral store.