January 16, 2024

Linn County News

Published January 17, 2024

Rex Paul Henry Jr., age 55 of Choctaw, Okla., passed away Jan. 9, 2024, after a

courageous battle with colon cancer. He came into this world on Nov. 29, 1968, to Linda Claire Stewart and Rex Paul Henry Sr. in Parsons, Kan.

Rex spent most of his childhood in Kansas. He had many fond memories of the times he spent with his grandmother, Nellie. Rex was musically gifted from a young age and grew up learning how to play many instruments. He became especially gifted at playing the guitar and

piano. Rex was known to play musical instruments by ear and being able to learn songs rather

quickly. Rex enjoyed playing the guitar with his brother Chris, and his son, Troy.

As much as Rex enjoyed listening to and playing music, he was just as talented at

painting and drawing. His portraits focused primarily on military aviation aircraft, especially WW2 fighter planes. He even was an avid collector of military memorabilia and was knowledgeable about the items and the history behind them. Rex was artistic, creative, and mechanically inclined, working as an Electrician later in life. Rex was very handy and resourceful; he could just about fix anything. He loved a good house project and was constantly working on his property. Rex also enjoyed restoring classic cars, notably restoring a 1967 Pontiac GTO back to original condition. Rex also enjoyed working on his El Camino with his son, Troy.

When not busy with restoration projects, he loved to work on his truck with his son, Paul, updating speakers, sound systems and headlights. Rex, being mechanically inclined, also enjoyed repairing and maintaining his tractors; especially his favorite Club Cadet that he restored to original condition. Rex was a great cook and loved German food. He enjoyed

learning recipes and cooking alongside his mother, Linda.

Rex was united in marriage to Stephanie Renee Smith on Aug. 25, 2011, in Nicoma

Park, Okla. Rex and Stephanie loved visiting antique malls, thrift stores and estate sales.

They were always on the hunt to see what interesting things they could get a bargain on; it was a hobby they enjoyed together. Most of all, they loved to be home with Rex’s favorite dogs, Max Paul and Hillbilly Renee Henry. 

Rex was a loving husband, father, son, and brother, and will be missed dearly by the friends and family he leaves behind.

Rex is preceded in death by his dear father, Rex Paul Henry Sr.; his grandmother, Nellie

Ater; and his grandfather, Warren Stewart. Rex is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Renee

Henry; his mother, Linda Claire Henry; his oldest son and his wife, William Paul Henry and Jessica Henry; his younger son, Troy Dalton Henry; his brother and his wife, Christopher Patrick

Henry and Elizabeth Rodriguez Henry; and Rex’s two grandchildren, Harper Alaina Henry, and William Carter Robert Henry.