Rex Kendall, 61, of Terre Haute, Indiana passed away on January 7, 2026, in Terre Haute. Rex was born in Florida on March 9, 1964, to Jimie and Nettie Jean Kendall.
Rex was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his Sister Virginia Stewart; Sister Kerrie Henderson (Jim); Niece Kailan Lilly (Joe), Emmalynn, Maverick; and Nephew Kyle Stewart (Breanna), Hadlee.
Rex earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master's degree in student personnel administration from Indiana State University. While at Indiana State, Rex joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He remained actively engaged with Lambda Chi and his fraternity brothers throughout his life.
Rex deeply loved his family and treasured spending time with them. He would travel miles to attend his niece’s and nephew’s events and loved taking them to movies when they were young. He was always willing to lend a hand, including happily caring for Kerrie’s beloved French bulldog, Edith as often as possible.
Rex devoted his entire professional career to higher education, serving primarily at his beloved alma mater, Indiana State University, and also holding positions at Western Kentucky University and the University of Nebraska–Kearney. During his tenure at Indiana State, he served in several leadership roles, including Director of Residential Life, Director of the Alumni Association, and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President.
Throughout the university and broader community, Rex was widely respected as an exceptional colleague and a loyal friend. A steadfast and devoted supporter of Indiana State University, he embodied the spirit of the institution he loved so deeply. His dedication was reflected in the love and gratitude of the many students, colleagues, and alumni whose lives he touched over the course of his career. Truly, Rex was Indiana State’s biggest supporter.
Rex loved relaxing in Florida where he looked forward to retiring. He also enjoyed traveling in the western United States and to Blue Ridge, Georgia to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the outdoors. He was an avid bicycler, kayaker and hiker.
When people met Rex for the first time, he made you feel like you have been lifelong friends. He greeted everyone with a big smile and a handshake. His kindness and compassion left a profound impact on countless lives, both personally and professionally, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who have the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Rex on Saturday, January 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the glass pavilion in the Hulman Center on the Indiana State University campus. The Rex Kendall Memorial Scholarship has been established at the Indiana State University Foundation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the scholarship in Rex’s memory. Donations can be made by clicking this link. Friends and family are encouraged to wear blue on January 17 in Rex’s memory.