Rex Everett Christner Sr., 94, of Denver, Colo., died peacefully in his home early Thursday morning with his son, Rex Christner Jr., who was his caregiver during his declining health, by his side.

Rex moved to Denver in 1982.

He was born in Davistown, Pa., and was a long time resident of New Castle.

Rex was a career U.S. Navy veteran. He served during World War II and the Korean War. He received many medals and commendations for his service to his country, including the Navy Commendation Medal given for acts of heroism, outstanding achievements and meritorious service.

During his New Castle years, he was a member and lay leader of the First United Methodist Church of New Castle and was employed by Babcox and Wilcox of Beaver Falls. Upon retiring from Babcox and Wilcox, Rex and his wife, Molly (Smetak) Christner, moved to Colorado where they worked as real estate agents in the Denver metro area.

Rex was an avid fisherman and, unbeknownst to many, a poet and writer of short memoirs. His use of graphic images filled his stories and he captivated family members and friends with his recollections of his youth, his adventures of his dog, Shep, Pearl Harbor and his years in the Navy. His love for the sea, great literature and his family were hallmarks of his life.

Rex was preceded in death by his wife, Molly (Smetak) Christner; his daughter, Diana (Christner) Liszka; and his son-in-law, Eugene Liszka.

His immediate surviving family include his son, Rex Everett Christner Jr. of Denver, Colo.; his daughter, Patricia Christner Monsour Bell and her husband, Eric Joel Bell, of Butler; grandsons, David Kelly Monsour II of Jupiter, Fla., and Eric Eugene Liszka of Colorado; and granddaughter, Rachel Kathryn Dell of Los Angeles, Calif.

CHRISTNER — A memorial service for Rex Everett Christner Sr., who died Thursday May 16, 2013, is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2013, in the Clyde Brooks Funeral Home, corner of Municipal Building Road and Route 711, Melcroft, Pa. Interment will be in the Mt. Nebo cemetery.To sign the guest registry, please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com.