Rex M.

Stewart

Rex Malcolm Stewart, 89, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 9:34 a. m. Saturday, November 14, 2026 at his home.

Rex was born August 28, 1937 in Willows, California the son of Malcolm and Ellen (Anderson) Stewart. Rex married Barbara Palmer on October 25, 1986. She survives.

As an infant, Rex’s family moved to San Diego. He graduated from Helix High School in 1956.

He worked for a time at Rohr Aircraft and was a bee keeper for 7 years. For 50 years, he spent the majority of his life as a flooring installer. Rex was a veteran of the United States Army.

Rex enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He belonged to the Carthage Gun Club. Most importantly he belonged to the Body of Christ Jesus.

Survivors include his wife Barb, one daughter Kelly (Russell) Schenck of LaHarpe; six sons: Terry (Judy) Palmer, Mike (Virginia) Palmer, Larry (Brenda) Palmer, Doug (Carol) Palmer, Matthew (Amanda) Palmer, and Jason (Ruthie) Palmer, all of LaHarpe, as well as, 21 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Mary, Myrtle, Joyce and Fred, son: Randy Palmer, two grandchildren: Chad Palmer and Joshua Palmer, and one great-grandchild: Mikhaila Palmer.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe.

A family graveside service will be held at McConnell Cemetery, near Ftn. Green, Illinois.

In honor of his granddaughter Mikhaila, a memorial fund has been established for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Rex’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.