Born on February 19th, 1946, Rex passed away on May 14th, 2023 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He grew up mostly in west Texas and eastern New Mexico, residing in southern Arkansas for a few years. Rex graduated from Friona High School, Friona, Texas, in 1964 and went on to Texas Tech University majoring in agricultural engineering. After graduating from Tech in 1968, he studied at Oklahoma State University earning a master's degree in agricultural engineering in 1970.
He was hired in 1970 at Ditch Witch (Charles Machine Works). Ed Malzahn, the inventor of the Ditch Witch and the owner of the company, personally hired him and Rex was so proud. For the next 39 years he did his best as a loyal employee to help Ditch Witch grow. He worked on the development of trenchers for many years but always talked with great pride of his last years as design team manager on the Jet Tracs developed by Ditch Witch. He retired from Ditch Witch in April, 2009. He and his wife moved to Pagosa Springs to reside in the mountains he loved so much.
On December 23rd, 1978 he married Marlys Knutson, the love of his life, in Fargo, North Dakota. Their family was completed when they became the proud parents of two children: daughter Moriah Nelson born December 7th, 1985 and Nathan Nelson born March 23rd, 1988. Rex was passionate about his family. They enjoyed many family vacations across the western United States. Rex was proud to become a grandfather and very much enjoyed spending time with his 3 granddaughters: Jacqui 17, Vivien 4, and Margaret 2.
Rex was also very involved in his church, Pagosa Bible Church in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Rex never wanted to miss church or his Thursday morning men's Bible study. He never missed an opportunity to help his church by volunteering in many capacities and serving as an elder for many years. He loves his family in Christ dearly.
He is preceded in death by his mother Iola, father Jack, and younger brother Roger. He is survived by his wife Marlys, daughter Moriah, son Nathan, and granddaughters Jacqui, Vivien, and Margaret.
A Celebration of Life service for Rex will be held Saturday, June 24th at 2 pm. at Pagosa Bible Church. Donations in his memory may be made to Pagosa Bible Church, 209 Harmon Park Drive, Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147.
Published by Hood Mortuary - Durango on May 18, 2023
Helen Louise Elster Pharis, 92, left this earth to meet her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, Alabama. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.
Helen was born June 24, 1930, in Letitia, NC, to the late Charles Joshua and Mary Ella Elster. Helen grew up in North Carolina and Georgia. She married the love of her life, Allen, in 1947, and their Army life allowed them to enjoy extensive travel. After retirement from the army, they settled down in Columbus, Georgia, where they were members of Beallwood Baptist Church. Helen has lived in Friona, Texas, since 2014, where she was a member of First Baptist Church, Friona.
Other than her parents Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Allen, and by her grandson, Luke Rauscher.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Stephen Pharis (Joy) of Lake Park, GA; Donna Pharis of Atlanta, GA; Patty Haile (Homer Allan) of Friona, TX, and Dee Dee Rauscher (Paul) of Milton, NC, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-two great- grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to Prairie Acres Nursing Home, 201 East 15th Street, Friona, TX 79035
All local arrangements were by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.