Rex Shisler

Rex Shisler, 88, of Gas, Kansas, died Sunday, October 17, 2010, at his home. Rex was cremated and his memorial services will be 3:30 p.m. on November 6 at the Iola, Kansas Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Rex was born Feb. 9, 1922, in Stanberry, Missouri, the son of Paul Morris Shisler and Ila Christina Kenyon McGhay. His father died before he was born and his stepfather, Jerry T. McGhay, raised him. Rex was a multifaceted man. He grew up in the hills of Missouri in the Rushville/Stanberry area. He was an "A" student and graduated as class valedictorian. He was a lieutenant and navigator in World War II. After his military service, he went to work for Blish-Mize hardware in Atchison. He won many awards as top salesman. Rex sold to many small towns; from Burlington to Fort Scott, from Ottawa to Iola. Locally to Hordes Lumber, later Comstock. Rex played fast-pitch softball, was on a winning bowling team and was great at grilling chicken. When anyone needed help, he always was ready to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed dancing, singing and playing his harmonica. Rex became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1968 and loved talking about the Bible to everyone he met, sharing the kingdom hope that we pray for in the Lord's prayer. He looked forward to a time when God's will would be done on Earth with Jesus Christ as the rightful king. He knew if he fell asleep in death that God would resurrect him and he would be a part of that kingdom. Rex served as an elder in the Iola congregation and enjoyed giving Bible discourses at conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as at numerous Kingdom Halls. Rex loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Jannie Machart Shisler, whom he married April 3, 1976. She cared for him in their home when Rex fell ill to heart disease and Alzheimer's, until he died. Jannie's daughter, Margaret Lesher P.A., greatly assisted Jannie and Rex. Survivors include his sons, Eldon Lee "Butch" Shisler, and wife, Rosie, Wichita, Stanley Shisler and his wife, Becci, Ottawa, Terry Shisler and his wife, Beatrice, Atchison; and stepdaughter, Margaret Lesher, Yates Center. Survivors also include 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and a brother, Mike McGhay of Lexington, KY. He was preceded in death by a son, John Paul Shisler. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .