Donald Rex Manrose, the son of Chester Arthur and Marie (Watts) Manrose, was born December 20, 1924 on the family farm near Riverton, Iowa.
Rex attended school in Riverton, graduating in 1941, at the age of 16 years.

On May 31, 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy, given the duties of visual signalman. Rex proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on June 9, 1946. Upon returning from the service Rex came to Rock Port, Missouri. He was employed by his Uncle Lyle Watts at the Central Cafe, and later by Virgil Watts at the Ritz Cafe.

On March 26, 1948, Rex was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Burke at the United Methodist Church in Rock Port by Reverend Peacock. They became the proud parents of two daughters, Cheryl and LuAnn. For 20 years, Rex worked as a self-employed electrical contractor, and helped Burke & Sons Lumber Company build numerous homes. He then became employed by the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier in Rock Port until his retirement in 1986.

Rex attended the United Methodist Church for many years, where he served on the Administrative Council, Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Bell Tower Committee. He was also a volunteer fireman. After his retirement, Rex enjoyed his vegetable, flower gardens and being the chef for his wife. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles in pen, and did extensive genealogy research on his and Dorothy’s families. Rex was an active member of the Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. He was also a member of the National Rural Carriers Association and Alcoholics Anonymous.

For Rex, his greatest joy came from his two granddaughters, Cara and Abby. He loved them totally and loved telling stories about their lives and activities. Rex passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2009 at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 84 years.

Besides his parents, Rex is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lyle Gustason; and his brother, Duane Manrose. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy, Rock Port; daughters, Cheryl Lindley and her husband, John, Wildwood, Missouri and LuAnn Hood, Bondurant, Iowa; granddaughters, Cara Lindsey Hood and her fiance, Kyle Seidl, Dallas Center, Iowa and Abby Beth Hood, Bondurant, Iowa, currently a student at Northwest Missouri State University.

Memorial services:
11:00 am, Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.
Inurnment: Riverton Cemetery, Riverton, Iowa.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Minter Funeral Chapel.
Full Military Rites will be under the auspices of Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49.
Memorials may be directed to the Atchison County Memorial Building Walk of Honor.
Obituaries and online condolences: www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.