Rex Alan Appel, 58, of Valparaiso, Indiana, formerly of Defiance, suddenly passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at P.I.H. Health in Whittier, California. He was born on August 5, 1959 to Rodney and Dorothy  (Sanders) Appel in Defiance. On June 20, 1998 he married Patricia (Etherton) Appel, who resides in Valparaiso. Rex worked at Worthington /Wave as a Project Manager and was very dedicated to his work.  He was a member of the Illiana Garden Railway Society, and he loved to work on and collect Allis-Chalmer Tractors. He was a history buff, and he also enjoyed model airplanes and ships. Rex had many good friends and colleagues, and he will be greatly missed by his family and so many that loved him. Rex is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Patricia Appel, parents, Rodney and Dorothy Appel of Defiance, son, Alexander Appel, brother, Dale (Teresa) Appel of Montpelier, OH, sisters, Beverly (Mitch) Robinson of Millbrook, AL, and Barbara (Dave) Donohoo of Stillwater, MN. Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 27th at Schaffer Funeral Home, with Rev. Jeffrey Corder officiating. Burial will follow the service at  Riverview Memory Gardens. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.