Rex A. Larabee

Rex Larabee did not take his responsibility as a husband and father lightly. He was determined to provide well for Annabelle and his children, Judy, Kathy, Randy, Harry and Denny. Through his dedication to his family, Rex taught them healthy work ethics, the value of a hard day's work and how to save for a rainy day. Most important, he showed his loved ones how to value family. Rex Armstrong Larabee was born in Kalkaska, Michigan on June, 29, 1921. Being one of eleven children, Rex knew first hand that providing for his family would be hard work. He entered the world during the famous Roaring Twenties, when dance marathons and jazz music were all the rage. He spent his childhood days playing with his nine siblings, his cousins and neighborhood kids. They would play mostly with homemade toys like their sling shots and sleds. There was a pit near one of their apple trees and the family put the apples in the pit and buried them. In the spring, Rex looked forward to digging up those apples and enjoying a delicious treat. I wonder if he ever told anyone else about those tasty apples. Although his parents were farmers, his dad took every extra moment to make additional income. He would fix wells, build roads, work in logging camps and work for the WPA during the Great Depression. With a farm to tend to, and money in short supply because of the 1929 stock market crash, Rex and his brothers, Harold, Devere, Melvin and Max ended their school days before graduation. Interestingly, his sisters, Leeta, Beatrice, Vivian, Nova, Alma and Opal were all able to graduate from high school. While in his twenties, Rex met Annabelle. They were with their families working in the hayfield. Immediately, Rex and Annabelle struck up a conversation and enjoyed the company. Rex began courting Annabelle and soon he asked for her hand in marriage. Of course she accepted his proposal and on November 30, 1946 they were married. Their wedding was held in South Boardman, Michigan. Rex's brother, Devere was the Best Man and Annabelle's sister, Edna Mae was the Maid of Honor. That weekend there was a terrible blizzard. The Detroit guests ended up staying overnight and some had to wait for the spring to return and retrieve their cars. Once married, the couple looked forward to planning a family. Together, Rex and Annabelle raised five children, Judy, Kathy, Randy, Harry and Denny. It was very important to Rex that he provide for them, and so, for 25 years he was a dependable employee for Shaw Walker. He worked as a press operator and he was content in knowing that he had solid job security. In 1983 Rex retired. With work behind him, Rex and Annabelle were able to spend more time doing the things they loved. They were married more than 58 wonderful years and although Rex spent a lot of his time working, he wasn't opposed to helping Annabelle with the chores at home too. Maybe that was why they rarely had an argument. The two of them would square dance, play cards with family and friends and enjoy the opportunity to travel. With his extra time, Rex and his family built a nice breeze way and attached garage. He and Annabelle loved spending extra time in Kalkaska after his retirement. Besides traveling in the states, some of the other places they went, were England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Wales, Scotland and cruises to Mexico and Bahamas. Going to the casino was also a trip Rex enjoyed taking. He was a rabbit hunter and he always had a good hunting dog at home who was ready for a hunting trip. Family time was important too. The family would often spend special times together at the cabin. Rex would wake up and yell "Daylight in the Swamp." He would spend lots of special moments with his eight grandchildren and ten precious great-grandchildren. Rex enjoyed telling the grandkids about the good old days and how things have changed. They would go out to yard sales, play rummy together, joke around and visit. Rex gave Shawn a pet name and a very special "fake" necklace. The kids would watch the bug light with Rex and Erica tried to explain her Girl Scout project to him. He called her canvas and beads "whirly gigs," but after awhile he could make many different creations with them. Jason remembers how Rex would teach him how to clean and take care of the guns. He also taught him multiplication tables. It was his sense of humor and special moments that will be treasured most by Rex's family. A great father, loving husband and loving grandfather, are just a few ways to define Rex. He was a good, solid American and Rex was a member of the VFW Post 446. Every year, he would plan on attending his Army Reunion. Rex knew how blessed he was to have such a great family. He valued them to the utmost, and in return they will keep him close to their heart with the many memories he leaves behind. Rex Larabee will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Mr. Rex A. Larabee, age 85, died Monday, July 3, 2006. He was born in Kalkaska, MI on June 29, 1921 to Harry & Nina (Armstrong). His family includes his wife, Annabelle; 2 sons, Harry (Vonda) Larabee of Twin Lake, Denny (Diane)Larabee of Muskegon; 2 daughters, Judy (Eloy Martinez) Larabee of Muskegon, Kathy (Larry) Doctor of Twin Lake; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Leeta Martin, Beatrice Patterson, Vivian Turnipseed, Nova (Donald)Darke, all of Kalkaska; many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy Larabee; 4 brothers, Harold, Devere, Melvin 2 sisters, Alma Larabee, Opal Hauser & a grandchild, Kelly Jennings. Service will be Friday, July 7, 2006, 11:00a.m. at Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. Interment at East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit Rex's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com and sign the on-line guest book.