Rex Clark Patton

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Rex Patton's Funeral Service

Rex Clark Patton, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, co-worker, often being known as “Dr. Rex” or “The General”.   Rex passed away on February 21, 2021, at the age of 81, after he fought the good fight in his battle with cancer.  Rex and his Wife, Ilomae “Snooks” resided in Lebanon, Ohio, from April 2020 to the present time, but prior, resided in their country home of 40 years in Rochester, Minnesota.

Rex was born on November 26, 1939, to John Clark and Elvira Mae (Turner), in Hampton, Iowa.  Rex was an Electrical Engineer working for IBM and TRW.  Rex graduated from The University of Iowa in 1968 with his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering; obtained a Masters of Business Administration from the College of St. Thomas in 1985; received his Masters of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from The National Technological  University in 1995; and graduated with a Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in 1995.  Rex served as an Adjunct Professor at Cardinal Stritch University, teaching Math Reliability and Manufacturing , and was a Sergeant in the United States Army, serving much of his 4 years in Europe as an Artillery and Missile Systems Instructor.

Rex first met the love of his life, Snooks, in a sandbox at the age of 4, and they were married after high school, on June 24, 1962, in Hampton, Iowa.  Upon graduation from college, Rex and Snooks moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where Rex began his career with IBM as a Computer Manufacturing Electrical Engineer, working there for 21 years.  After leaving IBM, Rex worked for TRW as a Reliability Engineer until his retirement .  During retirement, Rex was an instructor at Cardinal Stritch University and Winona State University where he taught Math and Science courses.  Rex graciously served as a volunteer with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, as well as in many service positions at church.  Some favorite hobbies that Rex enjoyed included repairing old mechanical clocks, creating mathematical art, reading and working on computers.  Rex shared his love for life with his family, enjoying playing with the children on the floor, setting up a fun or innovative toy, and laughing with delight showing that beautiful sparkle of joy in his eyes with his smile.   Rex so enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as the many pets and wildlife their family enjoyed at their country home.

Rex will be lovingly remembered by his Wife of 59 years, Ilomae “Snooks” (Towle) and their Son, Thadd (Brenda), Grandson, Jesse (Ashton), and Granddaughter, Amanda.  Rex will be fondly remembered by his great grandchildren, Brady and Emerson, as well as his Sisters, Ruth Ann Hanson and Rosetta Martin.  Rex is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, and Brothers, Waite, Darral, Ray Franklin, David, and  Sister, Kay Fox.

A Celebration of Rex’s Life will be held at Grace Chapel, 406 4^th Avenue, Mason, Ohio, 45040, on March 7^th at 3pm, with visitation starting at 2pm, masks are required.  Online streaming of the service will be available for those who are unable to attend in person.  Any family or friends who would like to share special words or stories about Rex, that can be shared at his service, are encouraged to email his Son, Thadd at thadd.patton@gmail.com no later than March 5, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Paws and Claws Humane Society.