Rex E. Bigelow, 78, Troy, passed away April 27, 2013, at Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy following an extended illness.

He was born Oct. 19, 1934, in Buckland to Elwood Bigelow and Gustie Barnes Bigelow, who are deceased. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jan Buck Bigelow, whom he married May 20, 1972.

Also surviving are his children, Steve (Sandy Hewitt) Bigelow of Troy, Virginia (Stephen) Stuckey of Centerville, Michael Bigelow of Troy, Tom (Robin) Bigelow of Troy, Danny Bigelow of Troy, Phyllis (Roger) Proffitt of Quincy and Kyle (Lisa) Bigelow of Troy; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Jerry Bigelow of Rockford; a sister-in-law, Willa Bigelow of Celina; and many nieces and nephews.

Also deceased are brothers, David and Dick Bigelow, and a grandson, Griffin Edward Bigelow.

Rex was a member of the Troy Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, the Troy Fish and Game, NRA and BPAA (Bowling Proprietors Association of America). He served as grand marshall of the Troy Strawberry Festival Parade in 1995 and was Citizen of the Year in July 2006. He was the owner of Troy Bowl.

Services will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday at Baird Funeral Home, Troy.

Calling is 2-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The family also will receive friends following the service at the Troy Bowl.

Memorials may be given to donor's favorite charity.

Condolences may be left at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.