Rex Allen Long, 54 years old at the time of his passing, lost his life in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina on Wednesday, June 14. His life partner, Cheryl Bays, was also killed in the accident.

Rex was born to Richard and Judy Long in Warsaw on April 17, 1963. He was a 1981 graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School and spent much of his lifetime in the Mentone area; though several years ago, he and Cheryl had made their home in Maryville, Tenn.

Rex worked for a John Deere dealership as a small engine mechanic. He loved his job and it showed as had won several awards from John Deere. He had previously worked on the family farm for many years. Rex and Cheryl loved riding motorcycles and, to them, nothing was better than having friends join them for a ride or walking trails in the mountains near their home. They both loved the south and warm weather, too.

Rex was good with his hands and enjoyed working on engines, especially if they were attached to a 1960’s Wheel Horse. He was also a good carpenter. He even personally renovated his home in Tennessee and recently built a general store-styled garage there from the ground up.

He will be greatly missed by his three sons: Cody (Jessica) Long of New Lenox, Ill., Richard “RJ” (Audra) Long, Warsaw and Mark Long, Fort Wayne; daughter, Jerica Long, Indianapolis; grandson, Grayson Long residing at home; father, Richard A. (Carol) Long, Warsaw and his sister, Lesa (Cliff) Newsmen, Mentone.

In addition to the tragic passing of his life partner, Cheryl, Rex was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Long in 1988, his maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.

Friends may gather for a time of sharing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 24 in Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw. A graveside funeral service will take place following the gathering in Harrison Center Cemetery; the cemetery procession will leave the funeral home at 1 p.m. Reverend Nick Poe of New Life Church and World Outreach will officiate the service

Those wishing to express their sympathy may do so in the form of monetary gifts to K-21 Health Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund, PO Box 1810, Warsaw, Indiana, 46581-1810.

The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege to care for the family and friends of Rex Allen Long.