Joe E. Rexwinkle, age 79, of rural Edna, Kansas passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Joe was born at home on September 12, 1942, in Craig County, Oklahoma to Ernest L. "Tom" and Gladys I. (Foster) Rexwinkle. He grew up around Edna, Kansas where he attended local schools and graduated high school. Joe furthered his education at the Coffeyville Vo-Tech where he earned his certification as a draftsman.
On September 9, 1960, Joe entered the United States Navy. During his enlistment he earned the title and rank of MM3 E-4 (Machinist Mate 3rd Class). On September 5, 1963, after three years of service, he was granted an honorable discharge and elected to be transferred to the Naval Reserves where he served another 3 years until September 8, 1966.
There was a special girl that caught Joe's eye, Penny Hartley. For their first date they went to the Fair and Rodeo. Wanting to spend the rest of their lives together, the couple were married on May 31,1965 in Miami, Oklahoma. They made their home near Edna, Kansas and have been there ever since. The couple had three children, Robin, Joe, and Cody.
Joe was very skilled and talented. He had remarkable problem-solving skills and the talent to achieve successful results on whatever project he set out to complete. Joe worked as machinist for Magic Circle, then went to Atlas Steel Buildings where he worked as a draftsman, then went to work for Jencast as a machinist and pattern maker. After many years of service, Joe retired from Jencast in 1987.
Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and any activities that took him outdoors. He coached all three of his kids in multiple sports and was there to cheer on his grandkids. He enjoyed rodeo, first as a bull rider and bareback rider, later supporting his sons in rodeo and watching as a fan. He would attend every activity, game or event that he could when it came to his kids and grandkids to show his support.
Surviving to cherish his memory and pass on his legacy are his loving wife of 56 years, Penny S. Rexwinkle of the home, daughter, Robin Chamberland and husband, Ryan of St. Louis, Missouri, sons, Joe Rexwinkle and wife, Stacy of rural Coffeyville, Kansas, Cody Rexwinkle and wife, Kristin of Edna, Kansas, grandchildren, Kevin Craven and wife, Aesha Mustafa, Megan Craven and husband, Justin Griffin, Chandler Chamberland, Joe Rexwinkle, Brad Yates, Brianna Yates, Kodi Rexwinkle and Cali Rexwinkle, a great granddaughter Mila Rae Martinez, brothers, Dale Rexwinkle and wife, Elaine of Afton, Oklahoma, Randy Rexwinkle and companion, Roselyn Calinoff of Chugiak, Alaska, sisters, Louise Stephenson of Hinton, Oklahoma, Lela Linn of Miami, Oklahoma, Carolyn Chips and husband, Charles of Weslaco, Texas along with many extended relative and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bobby, Stanley and Charles Rexwinkle, and infant sister Lois Rexwinkle.
Following Joe's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at North Edna Elm Grove Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Edna Public Library or to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice; these may be left with the Funeral Home.
To leave a message for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com
