Rex Applewhite Cole
December 3, 1954 - April 5, 2025
Rex Applewhite Cole, age 70, of Bear, DE, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Born in Amarillo, TX on December 3, 1954, he was a son of the late Morris and Amalie (LaStrange) Cole. Rex was a graduate of Alamo High School in Texas. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. where he proudly served for 12 years. Rex’s service brought him to find a home in Delaware. Rex worked in various jobs before starting his own business, Cole’s Lock & Key, which he owned for the past 32 years. Rex was renowned for his locksmith skills, often having to rescue a number of people from having locked their keys in their cars.
Rex was an avid marksman and looked forward to visiting the shooting range, especially with his children. He enjoyed practicing Taekwondo and met his wife at a class. Rex loved dogs and took delight in spoiling them, always having a pocket full of cookies. He was a talented cook and could often be found in the kitchen working on a delicious Louisiana-inspired recipe. Rex will be remembered as a “Doom’s Day” prepper. He shared his love for all things survival with his children, family and friends. Rex’s truest love was spending time with his children and grandkids, whether it was a trip to the gun show, weeknight dinners, or a quick after work facetime call.
Rex is survived by his loving wife, Denise Ludwig Cole; children, Nicholas Cole (Amber), Jacqueline Cole-Murphy (J.B.), Matthew Cole (Debbie), and Carrie Davila (Jonas); grandson, Reese Cole; and siblings, Geri Kuster (Tony), Andy Cole (Joni), and Sallie Buie (Daniel).
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11:30 am on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11:30 am. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rex’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online by clicking here.
Aida Lyons
Uncle Rex….you will be missed dearly. You leave a legacy of love and thoughtfulness. Till we see each other again. May you rest in paradise.
Carmen DeJesus
My condolences to the family.May he rest in peace.Im gonna miss him so much.He was a great wonderful soul.Until we meet again
Judith Arceneaux Arabie
Denise and family, Geraldine, Andy and Sally,
I am so sad for this loss for all of you. Rex was always a consummate optimist and a loving cousin. He reached out often just to catch up and keep in touch. He was a kind and loving man with a heart of forgiveness and giving. We have so many wonderful memories to treasure.
May God be with all of you during this difficult time and may he bring you peace and understanding.
Love and prayers to all,
Judith Arceneaux Arabie
Louise
My sincere condolences for the loss of your dad
Russell Craft - USMC (Retired)
Rest in peace, Marine. Your earthly tour of duty is over, now stand proudly with the Heavenly multitude.
YVETTE YOUNG
I am sorry for your lost, Good memory are the best thing to hold on to and that is what you and your family have. I know that the bible speaks of a time when sickness and death will be no more. Revelation 21:4 and 5, And that is what I hold on to every day.
Paul "Padge" Padgett
Sorry for your loss. I served with Rex RA Cole with HMM 264. He was always a good guy.
He left us much too soon.
Gayle Neusch
Rex, we had many good memories when you came home during your time in the service. You were thoughtful and kind. Thank you for your friendship, I know your family and friends will miss you greatly! May God in his loving kindness shower his grace upon all of you during this difficult time. Rex, rest in peace.
Dennis Bush
My sincere condolences to you and family members. I was trained by Rex in the Marine Corp as a Helicopter crew chief. I am alive today thanks to Rex. He save my life 2 times. The loss of Rex is a heavy loss. May my brother Rest in Peace.
Brenda Mindermann
Dear Denise and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rex’s passing, please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Brenda M
Matt Dutt
Very sorry to hear about Rex’s passing. He did all of my locks for many years and I always enjoyed our talks. He was a kind man that will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Ruth Frappier
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was always such a nice guy. May God Bless and comfort all of you
Rick A McPherson
Rest easy Marine, I enjoyed serving with you Brother. Till we meet again…Semper Fi
Audrey Barrett
Denise Jackie and Nick
So sorry for the loss of your Dad and Husband. We are all thinking of you during this difficult time. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Audrey Barrett and family
Bernie Ward
My sincerest condolences to Denise, Nick, Jackie, and family. Too many fond memories of training, sparing, and prepping. He was a true gentle giant. Generous to fault and would give you the shirt off his back. Always a kind word and sage advice. I’ll miss our marathon phone calls and get togethers. It’s always to soon. The Lord wants the best. Unfortunately for us, that is what Rex is. He’s sorely missed. Be at peace, Brother 🙏
Denise Jacques
George and I send our love and prayers to Rex’ family. I am his first cousin. His mom and my mom were sisters. Rex will be missed ❤️🙏🙏🙏
Jim Arceneaux
I am so sorry for your loss. Rex was my first cousin and we stayed in touch all these years. Just wanted to let you know that we will keep you in our prayers. Have a blessed day.
Wendy
So sorry for the loss of your dad. He was a very nice guy. Gone way too soon. May he rest in peace as an angel in heaven watching over his family here on earth
Lorie Williams
I will truly miss you Mr Rex you truly shaped my childhood you are a great man that will truly be missed
Paul Fahmy
Rex was the first independent locksmith that I met when I first moved to Delaware. His knowledge and kindness were always available when I started my own locksmith company in 1998. Over the years of being friends and working together and Rex sharing many stories with me, I got to know him in a meaningful way. We were able to bond not just as locksmith but as men who cared deeply about family and community. Rest well, my friend, till we meet again.
Mark Harrison
You were there, every time I needed you. I’ll miss you my friend.
Simmi and Cindy
We are deeply sorry for this loss.
You definitely learned a lot from you at the pharmacy counter at ShopRite! I still have your doomsday preparation bag in my trunk for the inevitable!! Thank you for everything you left behind.
I’m sure you’re resting in peace
Love Simmi Cindy and Kawanda