Obituaries: Stanley Howard Rexford (aka Kenneth Dale Peek) (Jan. 9, 1947 – Feb. 21, 2011)

Stan, Lakota Sioux, was born on an Indian Reservation in Bowbells, N.D., on Jan. 9, 1947. Stan, went home to be with the

Lord, Feb. 21, 2011, at the age of 64.

Survived by his wife of 43 years, Jean, children Sandra Lawrence and husband Jim, their children Jessica, Deborah, Matthew and Rachael and greatgrandson Thomas; Sheri Gordon, her children Christina, Courtney, and great-grandson Gilberto; Shawn Wylie and husband Jason and their children Halie, Ashley, Zachary, Nathan, Julia and Cameron; son Shane and his wife Melissa and their children Savannah and Shane Jr. Also survived by sister Sharon Carlsburg and her husband Bill, their two children Steven and Theresa and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by sisters Joann and Linda, step-parents Ivory and Rita Peek and father Stanley Rexford Sr.

Stan met his wife in 1964 when he was “literally the boy next door.” In 1965 he left to join the army to serve in Vietnam. He was wounded twice and came home with two purple hearts, a bronze star and several other medals of honor. Stan and Jean were married shortly after he returned, Jan. 22, 1968.

Stan was very active in Little League, Cub Scouts and Native American education. He was an avid collector of coins, nut crackers, stamps, hot wheels and Pez. He often said his collections were for his retirement. Some of his many accomplishments in life include a black belt in Karate with an invitation to train in Japan for two years. He was also an avid Black Bass fisherman and participated in several tournaments in the Clear Lake area. He loved his Minnesota Vikings football team.

He and his wife became the 20th keepers in the 150 years of Battery Point Lighthouse. He loved his job as keeper and took it very seriously and did an excellent job greeting people from all over the world. Stan often said that when he died, he wanted to be known as a Patriot. He loved his country and served it well.

A memorial service for Stan will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011, at Bethel Christian Center, 651 J Street, Crescent City, at 3 p.m.

— Submitted by Family