Lt Colonelstevene. Rexer

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Steven E. Rexer, 64, of Topeka, left this earth on an extended PCS to Heaven to serve his Savior on May 24, 2015 after a two year, one week and one day battle with Leukemia. His mission on earth has been accomplished and the Lord is saying to him "Well done, My good and faithful servant."

Steve trained well for his new assignment in Heaven. He lived his life not merely for the one here on earth, but with the hope, joy, and expectation of life with his Savior. With commitment and purpose, he pursued integrity, excellence, and compassion. He touched lives wherever he went and was known for being unable to go anywhere without meeting a friend. He never skimped on truth or gentleness and was always willing and able to share wisdom with those who asked for it. In the last two years of his life, Steve fought Acute Myeloid Leukemia with such strength and grace, always praying that it would be a lasting testament to his faith in Jesus. He kept his final mission in mind, approaching every prospect and obstacle as an opportunity to serve his Lord Jesus Christ.

Steve was born on January 3, 1951 to John Hubert Rexer and Frances Evelyn (Baughman) Rexer in Newton, Kansas. He attended a two room school until 6th grade when schools were consolidated at which time he attended Buhler Grade School and graduated from Buhler High School in 1969. He attended Hutchinson Community College, Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University, graduating with a degree in Printing Technology, after which he was employed by Hallmark Cards in Topeka.

Steve entered the Kansas National Guard in 1970, serving 38 years, 11 months, and 4 days. He was employed full time with the Kansas Air National Guard for 22 years. Colonel Rexer graduated from Air War College in residence and also completed Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer School. He served fueling aircraft upon enlistment, afterwards becoming an officer as Fuels Officer, Chief of Supply, Maintenance Officer, Comptroller, and in Personnel in Labor Relations and as Deputy Human Relations Officer. During Desert Shield/Storm, he worked endlessly to send supplies to our men and women of the 190th deployed to Saudi Araba even though transport was next to impossible to find. During the beginning of the war, he worked 31 days straight, the first three of those were 24-hour days. He was retired on March 31, 2009. Upon retirement, he worked over three years, helping to establish the Resiliency Program for the Kansas National Guard, a program adopted by other states.

His military decorations included the Medal of Excellence by the State of Kansas for Noncombat Meritorious Service, a rare achievement for the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also received the Meritorious Service Medal with one device, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and numerous service medals and ribbons.

Colonel Rexer was a member of the Central Park Christian Church, a life member of the National Guard Association of the United States and Kansas, Life member of the National Rifle Association, and former member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

Steve married the love of his life, Cynthia J. Everitt, on August 11, 1973 in Hutchinson, Kansas. He is survived by Cyndie, his "beautiful bride" of 41 years, son Chris (Christina), Friend, Nebraska; daughter Stacey Kemper (Nick), Topeka, Kansas; daughter Melissa Vinsonhaler (Jason); 9 grandchildren, Keighton, Madylyn, James, Michael, Thomas, Elizabeth, Simon, Levi, and Nicholas; his brother Don Rexer (Julie), Fort Worth, Texas, two aunts and many dear cousins and friends.

A celebration of Steve's life will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Central Park Christian Church, 1535 SW Clay, Topeka, Kansas. Interment with military honors will follow at the Rochester Cemetery, Topeka. Steve will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Park Christian Church Building Fund, 1535 SW Clay, Topeka 66604 or American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 1120 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64105.

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