Rex Otis Stephens

1921 - 2016

REX OTIS STEPHENS

June 29, 1921 - October 2, 2016

It is with sadness in our hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved father and best friend. Rex passed away peacefully in his sleep at 95 years of age on October 2, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. Rex Otis Stephens was born in Picher, OK and moved to Wilmington, CA shortly after middle school. He attended Banning High School Class of 1939. After graduating he attended L.B. City College and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. That same year he wed Elnora Tosh. After Honorable discharged in 1945, he then worked at Todd Shipyards in San Pedro until going into business with his Dad as Welding Contractors. He moved his family to Rossmoor in Los Alamitos in 1960, where he resided until his passing. Rex was preceded in death by wife Elnora of 53 years; sister Joyce and brother Rick. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela; sons, Robert and William, his wife Jill and step-son Blake, along with many nieces and nephews. Rex was a noble member of Al Malaikah Shriners International, an organization dedicated to helping children with medical conditions regardless of their ability to pay. Rex was a 32 degree Master Mason with the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry for over 50 years and a member of the Lions Club. At 77, Rex switched gears and became co-owner of Los Altos Mobil Gas Station and Car Wash in Long Beach with his 2 sons. He worked almost daily until his illness. He would open the door and greet every customer. Everybody loved Rex and it became the place where "everyone" knew your name." He was a real community icon and a generous, loving family man. Rex will forever be in our hearts. He truly touched ours and will be greatly missed. Dad, you are the best father anyone could wish for. We Love You! On behalf of the family, we would like to give a special thank you to his caregiver Barbara Stee. We appreciate you and everything you've done for our Dad. A memorial service will be held in the chapel, at Forest Lawn in Long Beach on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 9:30 a,m. All are welcome. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits.