IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Rex Wilson
A celebration of life for Rex Leland Wilson, 87, who passed away Feb. 1, 2025, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion, will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Valley United Methodist Church, Marion. A private family burial is planned.
Rex was born Nov. 14, 1937, in rural Gove County, Kansas, at the home of his parents, Earl and Consuella Wilson. He was the fifth of six children.
Rex and his siblings attended a one-room school, where his mother and father taught. He graduated from Dighton High School in 1955 and entered Fort Hays State University the same year.
Rex was a member of the Fort Hays track and field team and was a four-year letterman in javelin. In 1958, he qualified for the NAIA national track meet in San Diego and placed third in javelin. In his senior year, he qualified for the NAIA in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and placed second.
He graduated from Fort Hays in 1960 and married Margaret Macy on Aug. 7, 1960, in Hays.
After their marriage, they moved to Isabel, Kansas, where Rex began his teaching and coaching career. Their two children, Kevin and Lisa, were born in Isabel.
In 1964, the family moved to Marion, where Rex continued to teach and coach track and cross-country. He retired in 1999 after a 39-year career.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Lisa, granddaughter Vivian, and all of his siblings.
He is survived by wife Margaret, son Kevin and daughter-in-law Janet, bonus son Kevin McGahee and his wife Loraine; grandchildren Miranda Ritter (and husband Dave), Dylan Wilson (and wife Gabby), Blaine Ragsdale (and wife Kristin), Logan Ragsdale (and wife Shanna), and Jeremy Ragsdale (and wife Megan); and great-grandchildren Elias Ritter, Lewis Ragsdale, Florence Wilson, Hayes Ritter, and one more on the way.
Rex’s childhood was filled with the simple joys of a rural life, where values were traditional, the pace of life was slow, and friendliness, courtesy, and helpfulness were practiced.
His life was defined by his steady presence, reliability, selflessness, and deep care for those around him.
He raised his children and taught his students by example. They learned from him the art and value of forgiveness and honesty.
Rex took seriously the word of God and cared for the Earth and all that is provided for us.
He practiced conservation methods, cleaning up after himself and his family to leave the land better for future generations.
He tirelessly worked for his church and his career. He spent long “after” hours helping math students and athletes. He worked hard, loved greatly, and enjoyed life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rex’s memory to Valley United Methodist Church, 300 E Santa Fe St, Marion KS 66861 or MAC/Coaches Scholarship, PO Box 153, Marion KS 66861.