Rex A. Mettler, 71, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on August 11, 1954 in Monmouth, IL, the son of Joseph E. and Helen V. (Yager) Mettler. He was raised and educated in Monmouth and attended Monmouth High School.
Rex proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years, and two years in the National Guard, achieving the rank of ABH1Petty Officer First Class (Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Aircraft Handling). He retired as a respected leader who supervised flight deck operations, provided leadership during crash and salvage operations, trained junior personnel, and oversaw the operation of heavy deck machinery and ground support equipment. Rex served during the Persian Gulf War.
Rex married Debbie Stotler June 30, 1979 in Monmouth, IL; they later divorced but they continued to be life partners.
After his retirement from the Navy, Rex worked at Jet Air, Inc. in Galesburg as a line worker for 19 years; he enjoyed telling everyone “he put the planes to bed every night”. Rex was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping in his free time. Rex loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Surviving Rex is his life partner, Debbie Mettler of Monmouth, IL; his children, Tony Mettler of Monmouth, IL, Roger (Kim) Mettler of Monmouth, IL, Ricky (Anna Perez) Mettler of Swansea, IL; two grandchildren; one sister, Helen (Doug) Myers of TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Bev, Peggy, Sandy, Cindy, April and four brothers, Butch, Danny, Terry, Mark.
Funeral Services with Military Honors will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Memorials can be made to the Rex Mettler Memorial Fund and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
