Rex Olin Davis, age 88, of Springfield, and formerly of Mason and Effingham, died at 11:35 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
He was born August 11, 1935 in Watson, the son of Chan William and Tracy Beatrice Parker Davis. He married Norma “Naydene” Newton on June 15, 1962 in Mt. Sterling, and she survives.
Mr. Davis was a teacher and served as high school basketball coach for the Beardstown, Crete-Monee and Robinson School Districts for several years.
Rex graduated from Altamont High School with the class of 1953 and then attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, where he received his bachelor of science degree in education in 1960. Rex continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville receiving a master of science degree in education in 1969.
Mr. Davis also served his country in the United States Army from 1954 until 1956 stationed primarily in Germany where he was training as a paratrooper for the Korean War.
Rex was a fully immersed Baptist by faith and had also attended the First United Methodist Church in Effingham with his wife.
If you knew Rex you understood that he was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan.
Survivors include his wife Norma “Naydene” Davis of Springfield. Four children Nancy Parsons of Springfield, Lynne Morris (Dennis) of Springfield, Brenda Green of Milstadt, and Brian Glen Davis of Effingham. Six grandchildren, Weston Green, Jennifer Parsons-Reynolds, Nick Morris, Alexander “Alex” Morris, Abigail Alice Parsons and Dalton Davis. Two great grandchildren Lena Green and Madison Mae Reynolds also survive along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers.
Funeral services wereheld on Friday, September 15, 2023 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Pastor Mike Harney officiating. Those who were unable to attend are invited to watch the service on his obituary page of the funeral home website, hendrickerfuneralhome.com. Burial was in the Benville Cemetery in Brown County. A military service was conducted at the graveside by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.
Memorials are suggested to the Benville Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left on line at hendrickerfuneralhome.com.
The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements.
