Rex Alan Pendergraft

Rex Alan Pendergraft, 72, passed away on July 30, 2025, in Colorado. Born on January 18, 1953, to the late Lester and Pauline Tate Pendergraft, Rex grew up in Washburn, Missouri, where he learned a deep love of the outdoors and a strong work ethic.
Rex graduated with a degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He served proudly in the US Air Force before beginning his long, distinguished career with Areva/Framatome in Lynchburg, Virginia. His sharp mind and problem-solving skills made a lasting impact in the nuclear plant industry. After retirement, he moved to Colorado to be closer to his family.
Rex's true joy came from his family and his activities. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 51 years, Cheryl Bolding Pendergraft, and a loving father to their two children, Travis Pendergraft (married to Jayme) and Michele King (married to Christopher). His pride and joy were his four grandchildren: Jacob King, Jesse King, Luke Pendergraft, and Helen Pendergraft.
Rex is survived by his two sisters, Janice Zumo and Tami Whelen; as well as four nieces, Kim Gray, Vickie Gee, Brandi Shores, and Becka Dodson; and two nephews, Kade and Seth Schemahorn; and many special cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tipton Pendergraft.
An avid hunter, Rex loved sharing stories of his hunting trips from Maine to California and Alaska to New Zealand. His love for building things is evident in the countless projects he had going on all the time in his workshop. He inspired everyone around him with his abundant energy. Rex will be remembered for his quick wit and unwavering dedication to others. His legacy lives on in the memories of his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Roby Christian Church in Roby, Missouri, the church where Rex and Cheryl were married. The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.