Rex Williams
Share
Funeral services for Rex A. Williams, 61, Lawrence, KS will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2012 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary- Eudora Chapel. Burial will follow in the Eudora Cemetery. He died on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at his home in Lawrence.
Rex Williams was born July 28, 1951, in Mountain Home, AR, the son of Eugene and Betty Bearden Williams. He grew up in Eudora, KS, graduating from Eudora High School in 1969. Rex married his wife of 42 years, Judy Taylor, in 1970.
His work experience included Dillons, manager of Jayhawk Towers, and manager of Jayhawk Training Table in Lawrence, until 1975, when he changed careers and worked for Mid-Central Fish and Frozen Foods, in Kansas City, KS. When the company was sold to SYSCO, Rex transitioned from truck driver into sales, and later became a supervisor over the truck drivers. Rex remained a dedicated employee until he became disabled with COPD.
He received a lung transplant in 2003. The Williams Family is forever grateful to the family of Matthew LeBeau for giving Rex the ability to live another 9 years. Rex took advantage of every opportunity to speak at schools, telling his story of smoking, and how it ruined his life, and became a spokesperson for organ donation. Rex became very involved with KU’s International Students. Through this program, the family has grown in numbers, and in great relationships. Rex has been an “American Dad” to many – Ranata, Hyo-Jung, Angel, Jade, Shon-Kin, Calvin, Tina, Kai-Chin, and even “Grandpa” to Gianna – just to name a few. The entire Williams Family has reaped the benefits of consistently adding new “family” members and increased knowledge and respect of other countries and their customs. A lot of love has been exchanged back and forth with the Williams’ International Family, and these relationships will continue to be a source of joy and encouragement for the family.
Rex loved babies – all babies – and wanted to be a valuable member to the Family of God. He took care of several infants during his time of disability, often volunteering to care for babies of parents experiencing financial difficulties. He was always available to do whatever was needed, to the extent that is health allowed. Wherever he saw a need – he stepped up to the challenge. Most recently, he saw the need in his Church Family in Lawrence, to learn how to run the sound system during services. He quickly mastered this task, and taught others to be able to duplicate and/or take-over this ministry as well. Rex was a vital part of the Worship Team. He never missed a rehearsal, and always made himself available to any one of the FCL Family who needed practice with the sound system. This ministry, among others, was a true joy for him.
Rex found his greatest pleasure in God, and the family that God blessed him with. His grandchildren – MaKenna, Tessa, Kelsey, Sara, Liz, Gianna, and Brent – have had many “memory making moments: with their PaPa. He will be extremely missed by the.
His children – LaVonda Norcross, Craig Williams, and their respective spouses, Jody and Christine – are a living legacy for Rex. They, along with his wife, Judy, were Rex’s biggest supporters. He is also survived by his mother, Betty King, of Eudora, KS, a brother, Larry Williams, of Lawrence, KS, two sisters, Hope Cundiff and Frances Dunavin, both of Eudora, KS. He was preceded in death by his father. The laughter, and the tears, will always bring smiles to the hearts of his favorite kids.
The family will greet friends from 7-9p.m. Wednesday, August 1st at Warren-McElwain Mortuary- Lawrence Chapel.
The family suggests memorials in his name to the Family Church of Lawrence and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
A great man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. You taught us much, you taught us well. I miss you already but hold on to the knowledge that you are in the presence of our Savior and that we will see our beloved Rex again, in perfected body!
Judy, kids, grandkids: we cover you in our prayers – trusting in the Provider!
For Judy and family====will be thinking of you this week as you mourn the loss of youre loved one. he fought a good battle—-for so long.
sorry about the loss of Rex, and praying for all of you, his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything feel free to call me.
Steve and I are so sorry about Rex’s passing, Judy. You, LaVonda, Craig and all the family continue to be in our prayers.
Dear Judy and Family,
I am saddened by the loss of Rex. He was such a good man and loved by so many. Yesterday, Pastor Ron had prayed for complete healing for Rex. This was the prayer for so many. When Tom called me today at work and told me that Rex had passed, I felt so disappointed that God had allowed this to happen. Then out of the clear blue, it came to me, Rex had indeed been completely healed (just as Pastor Ron had prayed) at 11:41pm last night. His pain and struggle were over and he has been completely healed!!!!!!
My thoughts and prayers, tears are with all of you. Looking forward to seeing you all soon. I truly believe Rex is at peace and breathing wonderful air and smiling. I am sure he was sad to leave his loved ones behind, but will be waiting to see all of you soon.
Dear Judy and family. I read this with great sadness but also joy for the years that the lung transplant gave Rex. My late husband, Larry Schmitz, also had a lung transplant and I remember talking with you both about our experiences. Rex and Larry had their “second wind” with their transplants and are now breathing new life in their next lives. I will keep you all in prayer as I know the next days/months/years will be a challenge.
Keeping you in prayer in this time of loss. What a beautiful tribute to an awesome man!
Dear Judy and family. I read this with great sadness but also joy for the years that the lung transplant gave Rex. My late husband, Larry Schmitz, also had a lung transplant and I remember talking with you both about our experiences. Rex and Larry had their “second wind” with their transplants and are now breathing new life in their next lives. I will keep you all in prayer as I know the next days/months/years will be a challenge.
Dear Judy and family. I read this with great sadness but also joy for the years that the lung transplant gave Rex. My late husband, Larry Schmitz, also had a lung transplant and I remember talking with you both about our experiences. Rex and Larry had their “second wind” with their transplants and are now breathing new life in their next lives. I will keep you all in prayer as I know the next days/months/years will be a challenge.
My dear Judy,
My heart goes out to you and your entire family! Rex special memory wil linger in us that had the chance to be in his group! I had tons of fun at our Bible group in your house! Rex was a joy and a spiritual entertainer!
Rest in peace Rex!
My dear Judy,
My heart goes out to you and your entire family! Rex special memory wil linger in us that had the chance to be in his group! I had tons of fun at our Bible group in your house! Rex was a joy and a spiritual entertainer!
Rest in peace Rex!
Judy and family, we are thinking of you and praying for you at this time of transition. What a wonderful story Rex lived and an awesome example of walking with Christ! May memories and love surround you now and always. May God wrap his loving arms around you.
Rex was a great man, I am so thankful for the time that I got to know him. He will be missed, but the effects of his life will live on. Please know that I am praying for your family during this time.
Dear Judy and family,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you.
I enjoyed knowing Rex. I was glad to hear that you folks also enjoyed being friends with International students. Victor and I were very involved in the program with International students for many years. Enjoyed having them visit us and get acquainted with our family also.
May God’s Love surround you.
Love, Carol & Victor Carr
Dear Judy and family: I am so sad that Rex is gone and so full of joy because I know where he went – he’s running the sound booth in Heaven now and all of the children are singing and dancing along! Judy and LaVonda and all the family are in my prayers – love, Debby
I am holding you and your family close in my heart and prayers Judy.
Mr Williams was so willing to help USD 497 Lawrence Public Schools through its prevention program during Great American Smoke-out Week. He presented to elementary students about the importance of remaining tobacco-free. I believe he made a difference, and would like to extend my sympathy to his entire family.
Diane Ash, Lawrence High School Prevention Specialist
Judy, I am so sorry…so sorry for your loss…hugs and prayers – for you, kida nas grandkids… shalll we go for a ride?….I love you.
Judy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Keep your memories of Rex close to your heart. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
May God grant you peace.
~Lois
We are praying for all of you and keeping you in our thoughts. We know that Rex will be greatly missed by so many people. It’s amazing to see how many lilves he touched.
We are so sorry to hear of Rex’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers to Judy, LaVonda, Craig and family. May you find comfort knowing that he is in a much better place. Love & Hugs to all of you!!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is since I lost my mother that day as well. Let’s take heart in knowing it’s only temporary, we will see them again in heaven. May God bless and keep you.
So sorry to read about Rex passing. He was such a nice man and you are such a nice family. I am praying for comfort for all of you!
Bless you all,
Kathy Willis from FCC and FPC preschool (Puppy Dog Room)
We were both saddened when we read that Rex had passed away. His obituary was such a beautiful tribute to him.
The whole family will be in our prayers.