Bobby Rex Blakemore's Obituary
Rex was born “Bobby Rex Blakemore” on March 7, 1932, about 4 miles north of Tahlequah, OK, in a rural community called Black Gum, to Lacy & Ida Reynolds. He had three younger siblings, Jimmy Lee, Judy Ruth & Frederick Ray. Rex attended a one room School House, with about 20 students, from Primary Years, thru 8th Grade. At a mere 10 years old, he lost his little brother, Jimmy Lee, whom he played marbles with every day. He kept those marbles in an old rugged box, until the day he passed. Growing up in a small town on a farm was a hard life, and his Father had to move to find work. He and his family moved to Tulsa, OK in 1943. In 1945 he remembers he and his dad walking down to 4th and Main when the Germans and Japanese surrendered. There was a screen that went around the Walgreens Drug Store, and told of the victories! He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and then Central High School, where he met many of his lifetime friends, and graduated in 1951. He was very active in the Central (& Roosevelt) Reunions & looked forward to help organize & attend them. He received a Basketball Scholarship to a College in San Diego, CA, which he gave up, upon the death of his father, so that he could move back home & help his mother & siblings. He furthered his education attending classes at the University of Tulsa, and the Oklahoma School of Business. In 1954 he met Claudette “Jody” Jones & they married in 1955. Shortly after came two daughters, Kimberly & Ronda, who were the joy of his life (at least until their teen years!). He joined Warren Petroleum in 1956, where he spent many years. In 1957, Ida, his mother, married Ernie Reynolds, and Rex became a big brother to 4 more siblings, Lewis, Sue, Judy Ann, and Jimmy Reynolds. In 1969, Rex was transferred to Virginia, as Warren Petroleum/Gulf Oil had purchased a man-made town, called Reston. Here, he, and his family lived for 6 years, and then moved back home to Tulsa in 1975. As years passed, both daughters married & he became an immediate Grandpa to four grandkids – the ‘Riley Clan’. In 1980, he became “Papa” when Jami Marie Riley “PeeWee” was born. She was the apple of his eye, until his first grandson was born in 1987, Nicholas Blake Marfechuk, and carried on the ‘Blake’ of his Blakemore name. Little did he know, he would be surprised with his 3rd and final Grandchild in 2000, when Anastasia Rae Marfechuk came into our family! Years later, he was blessed again, and was able to hold 2 great grandchildren – Jacen Christopher Guinn in 2007, and Rylee Jade Guinn in 2010. Rex was an avid sports fan (and happily passed this onto to his grandson Blake!). He attended TU Basketball games since the early years at the Convention Center. He loved watching his Redskins & Green Bay Packers on Sundays, and has always loved the game of Baseball. During the 60’s, he coached a summer league baseball team for many years, and was a great influence in their lives. He took pride in coaching his Granddaughter in basketball, and watching his Grandson play in many sporting events. Another favorite of Rex’s was Snoopy! You can find Peanuts characters all over his house – from his love of watches, to cards, stuffed animals, photos, he was a huge fan, and loved the Peanuts comic. He was also a collector. From Depression Glass, to Comic Books, Rex took pride in his many endeavors. His mother passed his love of gardening onto him. He always joked about putting in a plethora of flowerbeds so as not to not have to mow. His love of azaleas was his pride & joy. Rex retired in 1986 as a Manager of General Services from Warren Petroleum, and enjoyed filling his time following in his father’s footsteps with his love of carpentry. As a 3rd Generation Builder, Rex built some beautiful custom homes (and happily passed this love onto his granddaughter Jami – which he always joked was a surprise that his granddaughter was the one who to carry on this tradition!). He took great pride in his work, as all could see, who had ever been to the ‘big white house on the hill’ many a years ago in Catoosa. Once this sold, and his beloved wife, Jody passed in 2006, he decided to renovate a run-down property in mid-town he had bought years ago. He put much love and devotion to this project, and remained there until 2014, when illness took him to the hospital, and skilled nursing facilities. Rex has left behind a true legacy. Two daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who loved him unconditionally. His smile, laughter, and love will be carried in spirit, and never forgotten. He was an amazing Father, Grandpa, Brother, Son, and Friend. Until we meet again, Rex Blakemore, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Visitation will be Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel Funeral Service will be Monday, June 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel
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