Rex C. Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant, IA, passed away on Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his home.
Rex was born September 29, 1936, in Rome, IA, the son of Simon Asbury and Eva Lucinda (Messer) Swailes. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1955. On June 8, 1958, Rex was united in marriage to Helen Carol Celley at the First United Methodist Church in Brookfield, WI. Rex was a lifelong resident of Henry County.
Rex worked in the powerhouses at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant for over 15 years. During his time in the powerhouses, he became knowledgeable about the water and wastewater treatment processes, getting certifications in both. Rex then worked for Blue Bird as a forklift operator. While at Blue Bird, he also worked part-time for Barron Environmental Testing Services where he continued consulting after his retirement.
A devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, Rex was committed to caring for the church by serving as a deacon, by teaching, and by discipling and encouraging other men. Rex loved sharing with others his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. His relationship with Jesus was the foundation of his life. Rex loved his family deeply and particularly delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. In his free time Rex was fond of playing the guitar, even inspiring his grandson John to take up the hobby. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and metal detecting. Rex was an avid storyteller and could come up with a story for any occasion.
Rex is survived by his son Rob (Brenda) Swailes of Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren Sarah Swailes and John (Megan) Swailes all of Ankeny, IA; sister Becky Van Winkle of Mount Pleasant, IA; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Helen, his loving wife of fifty-eight years, his parents, a son in infancy, and sister Dona Church.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor David Strope officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Olson-Yoder Funeral Home, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church or Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Rex and his family. Condolences may be directed to the family at www.olsonyoderfh.com.
