Rex Wade

1952 - 2025

Rex Alvin Wade of Ashton, Idaho, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on October 4, 2025, at the age of 73. A fact that would please him, as he often joked, "nursing homes are for old people."

Rex was born in Rexburg, Idaho, on January 10, 1952, to Rulon and Eva Munns Wade, and was welcomed by his older sister, LaRae. Though his father passed away suddenly when Rex was only eleven months old, he always felt his father's love. Rex was raised in Ashton, Idaho, by his loving mother alongside the Baum family, with whom he shared countless adventures and, occasionally, a bit of trouble-though Rex could always talk his way out of it. He made friends easily and was always at the center of the action.

A Man of Action

The year 1970 was a monumental one for Rex. He served as the class president for the North Fremont High School class of 1970, married Stormy Doak on February 21st, and welcomed his first child, a son named Jason, that October. They later completed their family with a daughter, Chyrelle. Rex and Stormy raised their children in Ashton, where he ran a small farm, raised Beefalo, hauled lumber, and raced snowmobiles. Rex and Stormy later divorced.

On May 29, 1986, Rex married Tamara Dixon, and together they had three children: Heath, Whitnie, and Wendie. They raised their family in Ashton, where Rex's work ethic saw him through farming, logging, and spreading fertilizer. Above all, he was dedicated to his children, ensuring they never went without. Whether it was snowmobiles, dirt bikes, trucks, or horses, he always made it happen. Rex and Tamara were sealed as a family in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1992. They later divorced.

The Water Whisperer

For 44 years, Rex was the dedicated ditch rider for the Farmers Own Ditch Company. He passionately loved the American farmer, and especially the Ashton farmer. Known by everyone in the valley, he personally took all the water orders, and famously boasted he could "make the water run uphill" for anyone who needed it. He would show up any time, day or night, for a ditch emergency, and knew more about the complex system than anyone. His expertise, dedication, and service will be profoundly missed by the water company and the entire farming community.

Family and Faith

Rex was thrilled to watch his family grow, happily welcoming new spouses for his children and then his beloved grandchildren. He made it a priority to attend their sporting events and celebrate all of their big accomplishments, even when he was in pain. A birthday never passed without a call or visit from Rex.

Throughout a life that included multiple car wrecks, semi wrecks, heart attacks, and ditch accidents, Rex maintained his strength and commitment to others. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, even if it came with a friendly lecture. He would show up for anyone, anytime, day or night, because he truly believed in loving your neighbor. He lived by the philosophy: "Pray like it all depends on God and work like it all depends on you."

Rex is preceded in death by his parents, Rulon and Eva Munns Wade; his sister, LaRae Wade Duke; and his grandson, Brandon Wade.

He is survived by his children: Jason (Angela) Wade, Chyrelle (Mike) Burt, Heath (Chayna) Wade, Whitnie (Holden) Brown, and Wendie Wade. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brittany (Stetson) Welker, Hunter (Matt) Richey, Mikaela Burt, Paige Wade, Ethan Wade, Carter Wade, Chloe Brown, Ellie Wade, and Tori Brown. He leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Hyrum and Kinsley Richey, with another great-grandchild for the Welkers due in January.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, at the Ashton LDS Stake Center with Bishop David Hess of the Black Springs Ward officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and Thursday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., both times at the stake center. Interment will be in the Pineview Cemetery.