Rex A. Harpel December 19, 1958 - May 24, 2014 Rex A. Harpel, age 55, of Garrett, died on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at his residence. He was born December 19, 1958 in Fort Wayne to Wayne and Rosemary (Cartwright) Harpel. He married Rita K. Zeedyk on December 17, 1977 in Garrett and she survives in Garrett. Rex served in the US Army as a Military Policeman for 20 years and then became the Garrett Police Chief from 2000-2012. He was a member of the Garrett Eagles. Also surviving is his mother, Rosemary H. Harpel of LaOtto; two sons, Ryan and Melissa Harpel of Waynesville, Missouri and Raymond and Nan Harpel of Orlando, FL; two grandchildren; three brothers, Edward and Karen Harpel, Ronald and Wendi Harpel and Chad Harpel all of LaOtto and a sister, Dolores and Gary Whitcomb of Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Harpel, and four brothers, Robert, Raymond, Ronnie and Richard Harpel. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 C.R. 56, Garrett, with Fr. Danney Pinto officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Avilla. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 from 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are to the Wounded Warrior Project, Cancer Services of Fort Wayne or Parkview Hospice