In Memory
Rex Anderson
Jun. 26, 2004 - Sep. 4, 2025 (age 21)
Rex Anderson (formally Master Richard David Anderson), 21, of Granger passed away on Thursday September 4, 2025 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
Rex was born on June 26, 2004, to Douglas and Roslyn (Eckrich) Anderson.
Rex graduated from Clay High School and was attending postgraduate classes with the South Bend Community School Corporation.
Rex is survived by his parents, Roz and Doug, his siblings, Jack, Lucy, and Sally, maternal grandparents, Dave and Judy Eckrich, paternal grandmother, Roseann Anderson, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bruce Anderson.
Rex was diagnosed with autism at an early age, making communication frustrating and challenging - but Rex rose to the challenge. He learned to communicate effectively with few words, and also learned sign language. He pursued understanding relentlessly, and nothing stopped him from enjoying his life to the fullest. He was artistic, theatrical, and had a passion for music: ranging from instruments, to song & performances.
He enjoyed the water immensely, as well as snow skiing, bike riding, diving, 5K runs, and boating – really any activity involving speed and motion.
He taught us all about patience, tolerance, unconditional love, and the importance of not taking one's self seriously. His innocent view of the world and trust in others enabled him to feel comfortable as he grew into a young man.
Rex was always willing to help others. This eagerness spread to his family, who bravely chose for Rex to save lives as an organ donor. A piece of Rex lives on through us, and somewhere in the world his big, beautiful heart beats on.
In his memory, please do not be sad. He would not want that -- rather, focus on enjoying the simple, non-material pleasures of life such as time with family, long hugs, and communal meals. The family would also like to extend special thanks to St. Pius X and Fr. Bill Schooler for their commitment to his Catholic sacramental progress, as well as the entire team at Memorial Hospital that exhibited kindness and compassion during Rex's final days before reaching heaven.
Also in Rex's memory, his family has established the Rex Anderson Memorial Fund with the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. This endowed fund will help children and young adults with autism for years to come. Please, in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to this fund in Rex's honor. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, PO Box 837, South Bend, IN 46624 or online at www.cfsjc.org for the Rex Anderson Memorial Fund. All donations are tax-deductible.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 13 at St. Pius X Church, 52553 N. Fir Road, Granger, with a visitation in the Schooler Parish Life Center starting at noon.
Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the Anderson family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
10/31/2025 DEC
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