Rex LeRoy Parrett

Bishop Rex LeRoy Parrett, 62, rural Larwill, died peacefully at 9:42 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in the company of family at his home in Larwill.

Born Nov. 17, 1960, in Columbia City, he was a son of the late Glen L. and Lucy L. (Watson) Parrett. Growing up in Etna-Troy Township, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1978.

In 1981, he went to work for RR Donnelly & Sons in Warsaw as a machine operator, retiring in 2016.

On July 25, 1987, he married Wanda Lea Schuh. They made their first home in Warsaw and, for the past 25 years, rural Larwill.

A natural musician, he was talented with stringed instruments, including guitars, banjos, mandolins and ukuleles. He played them all, usually by ear. With a servant’s heart and a passion for the word of the Lord, he enjoyed being with his church family, and it led him to become the bishop of New Vision Church of Warsaw. A common man, he was comfortable in his bib overalls at any occasion. When not serving the church, he liked to fish or pursue his interest in old tractors, especially antique Farmalls.

Surviving is his wife of 35 years, Wanda; children Daniel D. Schuh, Bourbon, Angela M. Rucker, Warsaw, Rebecca L. Sielesnew, North Manchester and Jennifer M. Dunn, Syracuse; 20 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sisters Carolyn Harrold and Marilyn Pratt, both of Warsaw.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kristina Renee Lee Jones, and a granddaughter, Shelby Bianca Hogle.

The funeral service is at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Visitation is from noon until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.