CAIRD REXROAD

REXROAD Dr. Caird Eugene Rexroad, Jr. (Age 74) Of Berryville, VA and formerly of Gambrills, MD died peacefully on January 11, 2021 with his wife, children and their spouses by his side. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Doreen Ruth Summers Rexroad, and their children, Caird Eugene Rexroad III and his wife, Laurie Caton Rexroad, and their children, Zachary Caird Rexroad and Travis Caton Rexroad of Round Hill, VA; Leah Doreen Rexroad Harrell and her husband, Adam Newman Harrell of Odenton, MD; and his siblings, Donis Sue Hannah of Jane Lew, WV and Steven Dennis Rexroad and his wife, Sheila Gissy Rexroad of Weston, WV, his sister-in-law, Debbie Gould Rexroad of Shinnston, WV and several nieces and nephews and their children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donis Grace Neely Rexroad and Caird Eugene Rexroad, Sr., his brothers, Terry Lynn Rexroad and Kevin Patrick Rexroad and his niece, Tracy Lynn Rexroad. Dr. Rexroad was born On January 6,1947 in Fairmont, WV and lived in various places in West Virginia. As a youth he was active in 4-H, which provided experiences that were profoundly impactful throughout his life. In the eighth grade he was honored as a Knight of the Golden Horseshoe by the Governor. He attended high school in Lumberport, WV where he met Doreen and was graduated in 1964. He earned a scholarship from Purina and attended West Virginia University, where he was a member of the Dairy Judging team and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1968. He and Doreen were married on August 24, 1968 in Bens Run, WV. He was drafted soon after into the US Army, serving a tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division in 1969 - 1970. He then went to graduate school earning Masters (1972) and Doctorate (1974) degrees of Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Rexroad joined the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in 1974 as research scientist in the Reproduction Laboratory at Beltsville, MD where he studied the steroidal regulation of fertility and gene insertion in livestock. He became the Research Leader of the Gene Evaluation and Mapping Laboratory in 1993 where he continued research on genetically modified farm animals and began a program for genetic mapping of traits in dairy cattle. In 1997, Dr. Rexroad joined the National Program Staff as Associate Deputy Administrator for Animal Production and Protection. In 2004 he was appointed Associate Administrator for National Programs and subsequently appointed the Associate Administrator for Research Operations. His research resulted in over 120 peer reviewed publications and two patents. He played a significant role in strengthening security at ARS containment laboratories in response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. Dr. Rexroad was the recipient of a Presidential Rank Award for his service as a member of the Senior Executive Service. Dr. Rexroad worshiped at the Purcellville Church of Christ, where he taught Bible classes, led prayers, waited on the Table, gave devotionals, and preached when called upon. Earlier in his life he volunteered at Camp Wamava, serving as President, and teaching youth Bible classes. When his children were young, he coached youth sports. He was an enthusiastic gardener spending many hours on his tractor, or woodworking in his shop including building many furniture pieces for his family. He was passionate about ARS, West Virginia University football and basketball and the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed playing bridge and croquet, and frequently attended school and athletic events that his grandsons participated in. He often read science fiction, bird watched and spent many hours programming on his computer. Dr. Rexroad was a kind, gracious Christian gentleman who valued his family above all things. He will be dearly missed. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing 2 Timothy 4:7-8. A graveside service will be held for the immediate family in Culpeper National Cemetery. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Camp Wamava www.wamava.com/donate or FISH of Clarke County www.foodpantries.org/li/fish. To view the obituary and send condolences online, please visit www.endersandshirley.com www.endersandshirley.com