Rex Stokes

William Rex Stokes, 89, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in Katy, Texas. Rex was born in Winnsboro, Texas on October 9, 1936, one of six children born to Preston and Leona (Hallonquist) Stokes and raised in O’Donnell. He married his high school sweetheart, Melba Morgan, on May 20, 1955 and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1961. Rex had a long career in the sand and gravel and the water treatment business in Austin.

In 1999, Rex and Melba retired and moved back to O’Donnell where they enjoyed many happy years as part of the community. Rex came to Christ early and lived his whole life as a faithful and devoted Christian man. He was active at the First Baptist Church and especially proud of his involvement with the Disaster Relief Trailer. He and Melba traveled with the trailer to many disaster areas, providing victims and volunteers with hot showers and clean laundry.

Rex is remembered as a doer and a giver, generous with his time and wisdom. He enjoyed meeting new people, always making fast friends with everyone. He had a story for every subject and could weave a tale of colorful characters, precise details and bring it all home with a punchline and a chuckle. Naturally curious and musical, Rex loved traveling and attending Gospel Quartet shows. He will be remembered as a good man, a great father and grandfather and the best great-grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Glendon and J.W.; and his sister, Maxine Bairrington.

He is survived by his wife, Melba Stokes; his brother, Larie Stokes of Lubbock; his sister, Sherry Natielo of Greenlawn, New York; his son, Bill (Katheryn) Stokes of Katy; grandchildren, Melissa Stokes, Angela Thorson and Benjamin (Mariah) Stokes; and great-grandchildren, Elena, Rex, Rusty and Beckham.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm Friday, January 2, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in O'Donnell with services starting at 2:00 pm. A private burial will take place.