The Passing of Retired Brother Rex Wilkin

Rex grew up in Perry, Iowa, and was in the United States Army from 1968 to 1972. He was stationed in Shemya, Alaska and Berlin, Germany, and also saw combat in the Vietnam war. In 1984, he began work at American Airlines as an FAA-certified Airframe and Power Plant mechanic.

On February 6, 1988, Rex married Sharon Kaye Moreland while, at the same time, “inheriting” two energetic daughters, Leslie and Shannon. He welcomed them with open arms, even though they definitely gave him a few gray hairs throughout the years.

In 2014, Rex retired from American Airlines, as an A&P inspector, and was able to spend more time enjoying his hobbies. He was a devoted Arkansas Razorbacks football fan, and he and Sharon had season tickets for many years. He was also an avid reader, specifically of horror books (Stephen King was a favorite); he would finish a book quickly, and be ready to pick up the next one.

Rex was always quick with a witty joke, and had a great sense of humor; he had a quiet kindness, and a deep appreciation for those who serve. Any time he was in a restaurant where police officers, firefighters, or servicemen or women were dining in uniform, he always paid for their meals. Rex had many interests and devotions, but his biggest joys were his grandsons. He embraced being a girl dad, but he adored being a grandpa to five boys.

Rex was predeceased by his parents and brother, Timm. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters, Leslie Purcell and husband Shon, Shannon Carroll and husband Jason; grandsons Colin Purcell and wife Cayley, Connor Purcell, Cooper Purcell, Brice Carroll, and Reid Carroll; great-granddaughter Violet; brothers Brian and sister-in-law Linda, Gary and sister-in-law Beth; sister JoAnn King and brother-in-law Kevin.

Rex’s visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 7th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and services will be held on Thursday, May 8th, at 10:00 a.m., both at Floral Haven, where a reception will directly follow the service. His family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, at diabetes.org.