Rex Keith Calmes

Rex K. Calmes, age 89, passed away on February 14, 2021, in Vancrest Nursing Home. Rex was born on April 13, 1931 to Paul & Hattie Calmes and was a long-time resident of New Carlisle. He married Janet (Upp) Calmes on December 1, 1953. Rex served in the USMC during the Korean Conflict from Feb 1952 - December 1953. He worked in various occupations and retired as an aircraft electrician from WPAFB. Rex was an active member of the New Carlisle Fire Division for many years and served as Fire Chief from around 1978-1981. He also served as a special deputy for the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Rex will be remembered most for his love of racing, which began in the early 1950’s (when he built his first race car) and he was inducted into KilKare Dragway’s Hall of Fame in 2013. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his siblings, Forest Calmes, Rita Evans, and Marjorie Slanker. He is survived by his four children, Debbie (Dave) Swann, Rick (Sharon) Calmes, Barb (Bub) Marshall, and David (Susan) Calmes;grandchildren, Brian Swann, Ashley Harwood, Kristin Rice, Alicia Daniels, Shannon Calmes, Michael Davis & Matt Davis; 13 great-grandchildren; and 3 nieces.A gathering of family & friends will be at Trostel, Chapman, Dunbar & Fraley Funeral Home in New Carlisle on Thursday, May 27th from 4-6 PM, with a service at 6:00 PM. Friends are encouraged to come and share stories during the service. A private burial will be held at another date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Carlisle Fire Division or to the charity of your choice.