During my painting side gigs, it is common for interspersed chit-chats to occur. The individuals that I paint for have invited me into their homes, so they inevitably pop in from time to time to see how the project is coming along. This oftentimes leads to a conversation that leaves my heart full & cozy when I reflect on it on my drive home.
My painting history with Margie began on New Year’s Day of 2019. She needed an emergency paint job before her furniture was moved from her former house to her new abode. Between then and now, I’ve painted rooms in her past house and her new location so many times that I’ve lost count. Quite a few of her projects were completed on holidays and nearly all of them led to nice talks.
Margie once mentioned that she and her husband of 33 years used to sleep back to back. That statement, because I instantly related to it 110%, made me realize I wanted to hear how the couple met. The conversation had to be timed carefully, though, because Rex lost his battle with cancer 3 years ago. Reminiscing seems to pull at heart strings more on some days than others and there doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason as to why.
Every time Margie speaks of her husband, it is evident how much she loved him and how much she still does. Her memory of their moments together make it clear how much she appreciated each one. The relationship began with a nudge from mutual friends. Margie was asked if she would mind if Rex was given her number. This led to their first encounter: an hour and a half phone call. Rex told her that he lived in Pendleton…at the Correctional Facility. This was one of his first jokes with many more to come.
Rex & Margie’s first date was at The Loft Inn, which was apparently a boujee-type joint on the east side of Indy where meat was grilled at the table. There was also a buffet, which, thanks to Covid-19, may now be officially marked as a historical type of meal. Dinner was followed by the movie Against All Odds. The weekend after their first date, Margie had out-of-town plans and Rex had his daughter with him. It was the last weekend they spent apart.
The couple dated from February to August, during which time Rex spoke often of Willie. When she couldn’t take it any longer, Margie had to ask about Willie. Her eyes were then opened to the world of Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
The bride and groom were married on August 18, 1984 at Southport United Methodist Church. The minister was also the father of a baby in the NICU where Margie was a nurse at the time. Like all good 80’s weddings, the first dance was to a movie theme song: Almost Paradise from Footloose. (If you recognize her bridesmaid in the picture, you aren’t going crazy. She was in another one of the How They Met posts.)
Margie spent her years nursing at multiple locations, from St. Francis to Family Practices…and finally in Franklin Township at Arlington Elementary, one of my former teaching stops. She also worked for Cake Create, which basically means her buttercream icing is criminal. Rex was a mechanical engineer and inventor. In his garage and then his basement, Rex built automatic coin dispensers that ensured perfect change. He also played a part in an invention for Innovative Fabrications/Indy Hanger. Ironically, this is a vendor I pay at least 3 times a month in my Accounts Payable 9-5 role.
In 2000, Rex & Margie purchased a lake house. Although he was quite the fisherman, she said this was yet another time her best friend introduced her to a whole new world.
I was lucky enough to share a few meals with Rex and Margie before he passed. I most remember Rex’s witty humor. Since one of Margie’s most distinct character traits is her laugh, their union made perfect sense. In the past few years, Margie said she has felt a connection to Rex’s spirit through their dog, Macy. The precious smile on Macy’s face leaves me with no doubt that this is true.
Rex and Margie were the perfect couple. They loved and appreciated the other equally. Margie and Rex were and are the best friends anyone could ever ask for. We were all blessed on the day they married to each other. The blessing keep coming to this day. Love Always , Laura
Thanks for reading, Laura. I would love to hear your memories about their wedding day since I know you were there front and center. 🙂
Rex and Marie sound like a sweet loving couple. She has an awesome person writing her story. Thank you for sharing ❤
Thank you sweetie! Macy’s spirit around me when I’m painting makes me feel like an angel is around. 🙂
Great meals and great times at the “money pit”.
I feel like there is a story behind that nickname that I want to hear. 🙂