Rex Robert Bland

Rex “Rodeo” Bland, 76, of Hawley, Texas, passed away surrounded by his loving family. Born June 4, 1949, to R.L. and Rosemary Bland, Rex grew up with rodeo in his blood. A proud Tarleton State College rodeo team member, he qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in steer wrestling for three years. Rex was honored as the 1975 Texas Circuit Man of the Year and was later inducted into the Tarleton State University Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Rex married the love of his life, Kathi, and together they raised their children while he continued to rodeo and help grow the Texas Circuit Finals. Known for his loyalty, strength, and big heart, Rex was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and man of faith. Affectionately known as “Daddy X” to his grandchildren, he cherished them deeply and never missed an opportunity to support them in all their activities. He was not just an all-around cowboy but an all-around man.

Rex is survived by his wife, Kathi Bland; son Brandon Bland of Trent; son Dee Bland and wife Jill, with grandchildren Tawnee, Wacee, and Teegan of Anson; daughter Kaci Murphy and husband Justin, with grandchildren Jace and Ky of Anson; mother Rosemary Bland Hayter; sister and brother-in-law Becky and Terry Brown; sister Diltzie Edmondson; brother John Bland and wife Barbara; brother- and sister-in-law Johnny and Kathy Jones; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father R.L. Bland, brother Steve Bland, and brother-in-law Johnny Edmondson.

Visitation will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas, on Wednesday, October 22, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene, Texas, on Thursday, October 23, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, as Rex was especially grateful for the care they provided for Wacee.