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Heaven gained an amazing angel on Monday, May 4, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ. Rex Gennicks was born April 26, 1950 in Linton, Indiana to Ruby Marie (Lynch) and Elza Eugene Gennicks, the youngest of four. In 1968, upon graduation from high school, Rex received an appointment for academics and football to West Point Military Academy and an offer to play football on a full ride scholarship to Kansas State University, but turned both down due to previous responsibilities.
On Nov. 29, 1969, Rex married Donna Jean Mowery. They began their life together in Linton, both working at the General Electric plant until 1974 when they relocated to Arizona. He had various jobs throughout the years in this area and had too many friends to count, many that began as coworkers. Rex worked as a Deputy for Pinal County in the Oracle/San Manuel area and also as a Gila County Deputy in the Dripping Springs/Winkelman area. He also spent many years as an EMT on the Kearny Ambulance. Even though these were his second jobs and part time, he loved them and counted them as hobbies. He worked as a Boilermaker and then as a Safety Engineer for ASARCO. He retired after 35 years and went to work as a State Mine Inspector for the State of Arizona. Upon his retirement from the state he found his dream job working for Rural Electric in Mesa. He made the comment many times that he wished he’d found them years ago. He loved working there right up until the end.
Rex was a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held various callings throughout the years, but always said his two favorite by far were teaching Primary with the little kids and working many years with the youth. He was very involved with Boy Scouts and over the years took the young men on numerous trips hiking, water skiing, camping and snow tubing to name a few. He loved teaching them new things. Rex also greatly enjoyed the few years he spent sharing his love for football and basketball as Assistant Coach for Ray High School.
Rex had many hobbies. He loved playing on The Bulldogs slow pitch softball team through the late 70’s and 80’s, swimming, being outdoors, reading Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour, hunting anything, and of course watching his kids and grandkids participate in any sport or activity. Above all these, his most loved time was spent with his family around him, laughing, joking, grilling, and playing a good old fashioned game of dominos.
Rex was preceded in death by his father, Gene; mother, Marie; two older brothers, Frank Gennicks and Larry “Turk” Gennicks; and his in-laws Everett and Icy Mowery, whom he loved like his own parents. He is survived by his older sister, Roma Lee Baker; his wife of 50 years, Donna Jean; children, Nichole Lyn (Rick) Sosa, Jeremiah Lee (Felicia), Sara Marie (Ken) Acevedo and Elza Winton (Beth); a daughter, Michelle Dawn; and we can’t forget his faithful 4-legged sidekick his beloved Lab “Jet”, as well as 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will always be remembered as a hard-working, loyal, teasing, honest, outspoken, stubborn, ornery, loving man.
There will be no viewing/visitation but a small private family service has been planned for Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 10 a.m. Immediately following, there will be graveside services at the Kearny Cemetery, where family and friends are welcome to attend. Afterwards, a small get together will be held at, a later to be announce location, where anyone is welcome to stop by and see the family, listen to his favorite music, and share a favorite story about him. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona or Autism Speaks.
Online Guestbook at www.GriffithMortuary.com.
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