Lexie (Lex) Cantrell, 88, son of Marion Columbus Cantrell and Maude Kincheloe, was born Oct. 23, 1923, in Manes, Mo. He passed away Sept. 6, 2012, at Houston House, Houston, Mo.
Lex was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; two brothers; three sisters; and both parents.
Lex married Marie Lea on May 3, 1957, and to this marriage was born three sons.
Lex is survived by sons and daughters, Steve Cantrell and Julie, Bruce Cantrell and Tammy, Rick Cantrell, Wanda Hebblethwaite, Donna Schmidt and husband Bill, Nancy Hayes and husband Roger, Debbie Land and husband Wayne, Jerry Jones and Theresa, all of Houston, and Betty McKinney and husband Buddy of Salem. He is also survived by many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Lex is also survived by two sisters, Betty and Lois.
Lex was born and raised in Manes, Mo. Lex got his first working at the base in Fort Wood driving a taxi. He got his start in “junking” working at Houston Salvage/Roy Fisher for 20 years. Later, he started his own business of “junking.” This business took him many places and meeting many new friends. His love of working with his own hands became his staple of providing for his family. He did this for many years and loved his time and energy spent finding the money makers. Along the way he has made many friends, he was a people person and this brought him great rewards.
Lex spent the last seven years of his life in Houston House. His life in the facility brought joy and pain. The pain was because of his disease and that too is what finally took his life from us. The joy was from all the people’s lives he touched. He was such a kind-hearted person who always wanted to make the person on the other end feel good, because he didn’t want to feel like a burden to them. He spread joy and comfort to all those around him and he did it above and beyond. Lex will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all those who have gotten to know him all these years.
Lex is now in heaven with those who have been anxiously awaiting his arrival. We all hope to join them in the presence of God and walk those streets of gold someday soon.
Services were 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Evans Funeral Home with David Meade officiating. Pallbearers were Jason Lee, Brandon Cantrell, Jamie Hayes, Logan Cantrell, Brady Cantrell and Adam Fleming. Burial was in Pine Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Houston House Employee Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfh.com.
