Rex Wilson Obituary
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Larkin Sunset Gardens - Sandy website to view the full obituary.
Rex Raymond Wilson passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024 to be with his beloved wife, Eva. Rex was born on February 18, 1956 to his loving mother Cuma Beth Wilson. He was later adopted by his loving step father, Raymond Herbert Wilson. He was a beloved Papa to his three grandchildren, father, husband, brother, and friend and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Rex grew up in Molalla, Oregon as the youngest of his siblings. He loved and embraced farm life. He found great joy and purpose in taking care of the cattle, tending the family garden, and building things. He loved playing sports and was a proud member of his high school's football and wrestling teams. He was thrilled to get to share his love of football and wrestling with his son, Richard, as he followed in his dad's footsteps.
After graduating high school, he left his beloved farm life, and moved to Rexburg, Idaho to attend Ricks College. He thrived experiencing everything college life had to offer. Being a part of the wrestling team and dating were the aspects of college life that he enjoyed the most. During his years at Ricks, he met the love of his life, Eva Bowden. They had a long-distance relationship as he left college to serve a two-year long mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Arizona, while Eva continued her studies at Brigham Young University.
Rex had an incredible experience serving in the Tempe Arizona Mission. He loved the people he served, their stories, their homes, and they simple way they lived. He loved the weather and the delicious native food that he was able to enjoy while there. He even enjoyed being in a desert and having a pet tarantula.
After returning home from his mission, Rex proposed to Eva and they were sealed on August 27, 1977 in the Cardston, Alberta, Temple. They moved around a bit before settling in Molalla, Oregon. They had four children together and made many loving and fun memories with them.
Rex worked for a variety of construction companies as a finish carpenter; until 1988, when he took a fall off a building and landed on a concrete slab. He received many traumatic injuries as a result. He worked hard to transition from being a construction worker to working in management in the office. He worked as an estimator and project manager for several construction companies over the years. He enjoyed his work and took great pride in pointing out to his family on drives which buildings he had worked on.
Rex loved being a dad and made sure his four children felt loved and supported by him. Even with busy, long working hours, he always made time to be at every event his kids were a part of. He attended every football game and wrestling match, even the away games and tournaments. He sat through every band and choir concert for all four of his kids. He also loved to spend time enjoying adventures with his family on drives, camping, or just day trips to the beach.
Rex faithfully served in many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He especially loved his calling as ward librarian. In this calling, he was able to chat with any members who needed copies or to borrow materials. He loved talking with and getting to know people. He had that rare and remarkable ability to make anyone feel seen. He never let anyone walk away without a laugh or a smile. No one was a stranger to him; he could make friends with absolutely anyone walking by.
Rex's greatest joy was his grandkids, who lovingly called him Papa. He looked forward to being a grandparent and when his time finally came, he took full advantage of it. He would spend as much time as possible with his grandkids. He would come to visit often, and make memories going to the beach, reading stories, and playing with them. He would take every opportunity to answer their phone calls and talk with them.
We will all miss his long talks telling stories that we had heard many times before, yet they always brought a smile to our faces. We will miss his smile, his big laugh and small chuckle, and most of all, his love for all of us. We will always cherish the memories that were made with him.
Rex was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eva Wilson, father and mother Raymond and Cuma Wilson, brothers Perry Reisher, and Orion Wilson, sisters Geneva Smith, and Fay Bebb. He is survived by his children: Marie (Seth) Pardon, Sarah Wilson, Richard Wilson, Katie (Daniel) Sebrands; his sisters: Dorothy Love-Johnson, and Patsy Nix; and his 3 beloved grandchildren Oakley, Stephen, and Oliver.
A viewing will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Molalla Ward 974 W. Main St. Molalla Oregon at 2 PM on Saturday October 12, 2024. The Funeral will follow at 3 PM on Saturday October 12.
A graveside service will take place Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 12:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road in Sandy, where Rex will be interred next to his loving wife Eva Wilson.
Those wishing to view the COMPLETED service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/u_uvC8qg9g2O1NRXPR5amkYBZdPt7PCQ1sEyS_Tau4x5K5txJ9bKfScqUIHt6pdP.Ve3nOLbnq5wyfv7e?startTime=1729101665000