Jack Rex Munson

Muncie-Jack Rex Munson, 89, died peacefully at the IU Health-Ball Memorial Hospital on the evening of October 14, 2017 with his wife of 67 years, Sherry, by his side.  He operated an automobile dealership, J.R. Munson Company, for many years and remained involved in the business after his son, Andy, took it over.

                Jack was born on February 26, 1928 in a house located at the corner of Gilbert and Walnut in Muncie.  The site is today occupied by a Subway restaurant.

                He graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1945, after which he attended Indiana University and served in the United States Army.  He was a lifelong member of High Street United Methodist Church.

                He took over the automobile business founded in 1916 by his father, Burr N. Munson, and in 1963 built a showroom facility that incorporated bricks salvaged from the demolition of Muncie’s Wysor Grand theater.  The business observed its 100th anniversary in October, 2016.

                Until recent years, Jack was also in the aircraft business, buying and selling single and twin engine airplanes.  One customer flew his single engine purchase to Australia.

                During many of their years together, Jack and Sherry frequently played golf.  Another of Jack’s leisure activities-go-cart racing- was short lived so that Jack wouldn’t be.

                Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Burr and Nelle Munson, a son, Christopher Andrew Munson, his brother, William B. Munson, and sisters, Betty M. Terhune and Marilyn Jo Trauring.  In addition to his wife, Sherry, survivors include his son, Bruce Munson, daughter-in-law, Belinda Munson, granddaughters Erin Munson Spain (husband-Chris), Hayley Munson Greiner (husband-Joseph), Jessica Munson and Lauren Mei Munson, grandsons Nicholas Munson, Tyler Munson and Cody Panszi, great-grandsons Aiden Spain, Jacob Spain, Jonah Spain, Liam Greiner and Owen Panszi, great-granddaughter Reese Greiner, several nieces and nephews and a cat named Mickey.

                Several years ago, Jack instructed his sons that he wanted no calling hours or services of any kind.  Instead, friends were to be advised to spend their time “doing something they enjoy.”  But the untimely death, in June of this year, of his son Andy was followed by an outpouring of love and support that caused Jack to rethink his “no services” directive.  Accordingly, there will be a celebration of his life at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20 at High Street United Methodist Church in Muncie, with Rev. Stacee Fisher-Gehring officiating.  Friends may call at the church from noon until the start of the service.  Cremation will follow.  Parson Mortuary is handling the arrangements.  Military honors will be rendered by the Delaware County Honor Guard.

                Memorial contributions may be made to the High Street United Methodist Church 219 South High Street, Muncie, IN 47305 or the charity of the donor’s choice.

                Online condolences may be made to the family in care of www.parsonmortuary.com

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