Rex Norman Real

1927 - 2009

Rex Norman Real, 82, was born May 12, 1927, in Kansas City, MO, son of the late Homer and Gertrude Clutter Real, and left this earthly life on October 9, 2009, passing away at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, where he had undergone surgery on October 5th. As a small child his family moved to Raytown, MO, where he received his schooling, graduating in 1949 from Raytown High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II, and after his honorable discharge, attended William Jewel College in Liberty, MO. He entered the car sales business at Ray Smith Ford in Raytown and Waldo and was mentored by Ray Smith where he learned his valuable business ethics which contributed to his success. He progressed rapidly in his field, ending as General Manager of that concern. In 1959, he moved to Sedalia, MO and was associated with Bill Greer Motors, retiring in 1993 as partner and CEO. He was quite successful and received many accolades from Ford Motor Co., in several different divisions.

Rex was one of the founders of Valley Hope Treatment Center in Boonville, MO, and held the position of Chairman of the Board from the start of the center, until his death. He was able to help many persons through his ministry in this field. Rex had been sober for 37 years and was extremely proud of this accomplishment. He was very interested in politics and spent time and efforts for the Democratic party. He loved playing golf; he belonged to several card groups and was a great sports fan.

In 1951, he married Betty Ann Roth and they had 2 children. In 1965, he married Lu Alice Kidwell Crowson of Versailles, MO.

He is survived by his wife, of the home, four daughters, Kris Amen (Chris) of Memphis, TN; Rexene Manecke, of Little Rock, AR; Sally Westerhold (Ron), of Blue Springs, MO; Susan Buckley and companion, Mark Johnson, of Blue Springs, MO; a foster son, Rick Buckley of Independence, MO; one daughter-in-law, Betty Krah of Blue Springs, MO; 15 grandchildren; Heather Hannah, April Sullivan, Blakely Nolte (Todd), Scott Manecke, Kristen Hopkins, Kyle Westerhold (Tammy), Fred Buckley (Nicci), Cherish Caputo (Tony), Patrick Buckley, Melissa Buckley, William Buckley, Dr. Danielle Orr (Jim), Ketrin Oravecz, Cory Oravecz and Ashley Krah; and four great-grandchildren, Hayle Hannah, Reese Nolte, F. Charles Buckley and Giuliana Caputo; and one sister, Shirley Summers of Kansas City, MO, and may other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one sister, Norma Baker.

Visitation will be held at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel in Sedalia from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, with funeral to be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia, MO. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. in Versailles Cemetery in Versailles, MO. Pallbearers will be Fred Buckley, William Buckley, Cory Oravecz, Tony Caputo, Todd Nolte and Tommy Boomershine, with Patrick Buckley and Kyle Westerhold as honorary pallbearers.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Valley Hope Treatment Center, Boonville or the charity of the donor's choice , in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be offered online at www.mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.