Rex A. Mynatt, age 87, of rural Carman, Illinois, passed away October 8, 2017 at his home. He was born September 25, 1930 in El Dorado, Kansas, the son of Rex and Esther Lachmann Mynatt. On November 18, 1956, he married Dorothy D. Hill in Stronghurst, Illinois. She preceded him in death on March 24, 2008.

Mr. Mynatt was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He farmed all of his adult life near Carman, and also was a machine operator at Champion Spark Plug in Burlington, Iowa for 32 years, retiring in 1989. He was also known as the "Master Blaster", for his expertise in using explosives during demolition projects.

Rex loved hunting, fishing, gardening, playing pool, and operating his bulldozer. Each year, he would build large snow slides for his family and neighbors to enjoy. He was a friend to anyone he met, and was a top notch story teller, and enjoyed telling his family and friends tales of his past adventures. He and Dorothy enjoyed wintering in Texas for many years. More recently, Rex enjoyed visiting his many friends at "Cruisers" in rural Gladstone, and trying his luck on the slot machines.

Rex was a proud of his military service and was an active member of the Stronghurst American Legion Post #765, and the V.F.W. He was also a member of Champion Local 1237 in Burlington, and a loyal and faithful member of the Carman United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Rex D. (LuAnna) Mynatt of Carman, Avery (Betty) Mynatt of Stronghurst, two daughters, Linda Markey of Carman, Patty (Mike) Blackwood of Irving, TX, eleven grandchildren, Jason Mynatt, Jennifer (Jake) Wenig, Jessica (Brad Stevens) Mynatt, Mark (Emily Rudolph) Mynatt, Dane (Emili) Heap and Lauren (Jory Killings) Hart, Tyler (Meagan Kilborn) Teames, Brooke Teames, Nichol (Scott Ludington) Johnson, Meagan (Tyler) Crow, Kayla (Jorge Osornio) Johnson,, ten great grandchildren, two sisters, Charlene (Bill) Clark of Burlington, IA, Carolyn "Babe" (Charlie) Bez of Fort Myers, FL, and three brothers, Richard "Sonny" (Bette) Mynatt of Denmark, IA, Keith Mynatt of Laguna Vista, TX, Larry (Karen) Mynatt of LaHarpe, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers, James and Lynn Mynatt, and one sister, Maxine Mynatt.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. The funeral service for Mr. Mynatt will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday October 13, 2017 in the Carman United Methodist Church with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in the Carman Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Stronghurst American Legion and the Carman United Methodist Church. Please visit banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence or sign the guest book.