Rex Slick

Rex Slick, a pillar of the Middletown community, generous philanthropist to many causes, local business owner, family man, and special in so many ways to so many people died December 2, 2023 at 99 years young.

Rex Norman Slick was born at home in Honey Creek, Indiana, on March 4, 1924, to Sarah (Sanders) and Charles Slick. He had two older brothers, Bob and Ray (both deceased) and a younger brother, Ralph, who lives in Florida.

Rex moved to Richmond in the 7th grade and met his wife-to-be, June (Darland). They both graduated from Richmond High School in 1942. They married in 1945 and spent a year in Michigan, before moving back to Middletown where they would spend the next 76 years.

Rex and his father partnered together to start a tool and die shop in Middletown, Slick Engineering Industries, which opened in 1947 and prospered in Middletown for 52 years. After his father died, Rex continued the business and built a building in 1968 on SR 236. Even after the business was sold, he continued to work part time until he was about 93 years of age.

Rex enjoyed golf, musical theater, attending sporting events (Reds, Pacers, Colts & the Olympics), ballroom dancing, playing cards, growing flowers and traveling. June and Rex were active supporters of school projects. For 7+ decades they followed and attended high school athletics from the Middletown Cossacks to the Shenandoah Raiders. They had regular seats at the gymnasium and at the stadium.

Rex was enamored with new gadgets and technology, and he certainly saw a lot of change in his 99 years – from growing up with no electricity to helping wire Honey Creek houses with his dad when he was about 5 or 6. He was small, and they would shove him into crawl spaces, attics and between walls to run the wires where they couldn’t reach!

Rex and his wife June were active members of the Henry County Community Foundation where they supported the establishment of endowment funds to support Middletown-Fall Creek Public Library, the Middletown Historical Society, the EMTs, Shenandoah scholarships and more. They loved Middletown and wanted to see it prosper now and in the future. Rex served on the board of the Foundation from 1991 to 1996, was an Emeritus Board Member and for many years he served on the Finance and Development Committee.

Rex and June were active members of the Honey Creek Methodist Church for decades and helped set up Foundation endowments for the future health of the church.

Rex was an avid golfer and his passion for golf took him to courses all over the state and country. He played countless rounds at his hometown favorites: Tri-County and Valley View Golf Course. He also played in the Indiana Senior Golfing Association, and served as president there for a time.

Rex served on the Middletown Town Council and was active in the Chamber of Commerce in the 50s and 60s. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Optimists Club and the director of the Farmers State Bank (which merged into the United Bank and later into First Merchants Bank).

Rex, whether through his wise counsel or philanthropy, opened the door to a more rewarding and meaningful existence for many individuals and his community as a whole. These many positive impacts were always accompanied with Rex’s unique ability to remain invisible to all those not directly involved. There are many, many instances in which Rex enabled others to enjoy a happier and more rewarding life through his kindness and generosity without fanfare.

In 2001, at the Middletown Civic Center, Rex was given the honor of being named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Frank O’Bannon. May 12, 2001 was proclaimed Rex and June Slick Day in Middletown. In 2015, Rex received the Henry County Community Foundation’s highest honor, the Judy Melton Award for individuals who have made a significant difference in Henry County. And in 2019, Rex was given the Inaugural Chauncy H Burr Distinguished Service Award for his philanthropy and service to Middletown. More than these public awards, he preferred to be a quiet helping hand to those who needed it. People were always more important to him than things or money.

In January 2022, June and Rex celebrated their 77th Anniversary at their home with their family. June’s unwavering devotion to him, and all their endeavors for 77 years impacted all of his life. They had a very full life together, and can now rest in peace.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 77 years, June, and son-in-law, Alan “Buck” Painter.

He is survived by his brother, Ralph, daughters, Rexann (James) Fattic, Susan (Larry) Smith, Sandy Painter and Terri (Terry) Reagan; grandchildren, Jessica, Mark, Sarah (Christopher), Bret (Amber), Ben (Dawn), Emily (RJ), Bryce and Kelli (Brian); great grandchildren, Trinity, George, Charlotte, Rex, Daphne, and Cole. Special thanks to the unwavering love & support of his caregiver, Tammy Pyles.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Middletown Main Street at P.O. Box 123, Middletown, Indiana 47356, for the beautification of Middletown or to Henry County Community Foundation (fund of the donor's choice) at 700 South Memorial Drive, New Castle, Indiana 47362.

The family wishes to thank the Middletown EMTs, the staff of the Memory Care Unit of Sugar Fork Crossing, the Honey Creek Methodist Church (HCMC) members who provided a wonderful meal after the funeral, Louanne Julian & Cathy Dunn of HCMC who officiated at Rex’s service, John Henderson and the staff at Ballard & Sons Funeral Home, and all the friends who have visited and expressed condolences. You may also share a memory or express condolences at www.ballardandsons.com

The funeral service for Rex will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 S. 5th St., in Middletown, Indiana with burial to follow at Miller’s Cemetery in Middletown. The visitation will be Friday, December 8, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. People will be welcomed to share written or impromptu stories during the service.