Rex J. Creighton, of Liverpool, N.Y., went to his heavenly home on Sept. 19, 2020, with family by his side. He had looked forward to seeing his savior, his family and numerous friends for many years.
Rex was born on Nov. 9, 1934, in Sebewa Township, MI, and raised on a farm. His parents were Arthur and Esther (McNeil) Creighton. His mother died when he was young and his father married Elfa Meyers.
Rex attended a one-room schoolhouse. He heard the radio announcement about Pearl Harbor and his father said, “The world is not going to be the same again.” Rex collected milkweed pods for life preservers and developed a strong sense of patriotism. He learned to do your best, keep your word, and be honest while on the farm.
He met Virginia Mae McCaul during High School in Lake Odessa, MI. Rex was a friend of Virginia’s older brothers and had to ask permission to ask her out! They were married Nov. 15, 1953 until February 2005.
He developed an interest in welding and built items to help farmers and a device to assist a disabled friend. He was in Future Farmers of America.
Rex farmed, worked in a hardware store, and sold farm machinery for Starline and Badger Northland. He moved his family from Clarksville, MI to Lansing to Appleton, WI, then on to Liverpool.
After being branch manager, Rex became Northeast Territorial Manager. Traveling continued in his job with Cannon Ball Building Hardware. Tiring of extensive travel, he developed U-Stow-It, the first self-storage business in CNY. He retired at age 79.
Rex served as treasurer for WMH and the Self-Storage Association of NYS. He was a member of North Syracuse Baptist Church and was a Trustee. He will be remembered for his attention to details, common sense, dedication, willingness to help others, and his beautiful smile.
Rex had a number of interests: traveling, camping, snow-mobiling, boating, ice skating and cross-country skiing; flying to Siesta Key to visit Lola, Bob, Zack and Evan. He faithfully visited people in the hospital and nursing homes.
An amateur ham radio operator for over 50 years, his last call sign was “W2DUI.” Rex enjoyed their trailer in the 1000 Islands, and visiting the Adirondacks and Camp-of-the-Woods in Speculator, N.Y. As skilled handyman, he volunteered at COTW, High Braes Refuge in Redfield, ARISE at the Farm in Chittenango and New Tribes Mission in Sanford, FL.
Rex showed his true entrepreneurial spirit all of his life, sometimes running three businesses at once. He would say, “I’ve always done what others couldn’t, or wouldn’t” and, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” and, “If you do something, do it right the first time!” and, “Plan your work and work your plan!”
Rex was predeceased by: his parents, Arthur and Esther (McNeil) Creighton; his son, Paul J. Creighton; his brother, Kenneth Carl Creighton; his stepmother, Elfa (Meyers) Creighton; his beloved wife, Virginia (McCaul) Creighton; and his brother, Fredrick Creighton.
He will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters: Louise Esther Creighton of Clay, N.Y.; Laura Jane (Daniel) Schroth of Clay, N.Y.; and Lola Ann Creighton and husband, Robert Glantz, of Sarasota, FL.
Rex is survived by three grandchildren: Zachary Creighton Glantz (Clinton Randall) of Philadelphia, PA; Evan Creighton Glantz (Mary) of LasVegas, NV; and Danae Schroth of Baldwinsville.
Rex’s illness the last six years prevented him from enjoying his great-grandchildren: Finnley Vada Glantz and Maizey Ace Glantz of LasVegas, NV; and Dexter Randall Glantz of Philadelphia, PA. Rex also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and longtime friends.
A celebration of Rex’s life was held at The Gathering Place (known to Rex as “North Syracuse Baptist Church”) on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 1:30 p.m. To observe NYS COVID rules included temperatures checked at the door, social distancing and masks. New Comer Cremations and Funerals in North Syracuse is handling arrangements for the family.
Burial will take place in Lakewood Cemetery, Lake Odessa, MI next to the graves of his wife, Virginia, and son, Paul. Arrangements are incomplete, but will be updated on the Koops Funeral Home website in Lake Odessa, MI, along with COVID guidelines.
A gift in Rex’s memory can be made to one of the following organizations: Mars Hill Network, 4044 Maykes Road, Syracuse, NY 13215; Missions Fund at The Gathering Place at NSBC, 420 South Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212; or High Braes Refuge, 196 Waterbury Road, Redfield, NY 13437.
