Rex Wilkins

Click below on blue highlight to watch the Funeral services live on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:00 am

https://my.gather.app/remember/rex-wilkins

January 17th 2021 was the day heaven got amazing man, father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and the best barrel racing cheerleader anyone could have. Rex G. Wilkins has touched so many lives over the many years in the horse industry.  Rex left this earth unexpectedly to join his heavenly family.

Rex was born July 18, 1955 in Vernal Utah to Ervin and Rhae Karren Wilkins. Rex was born with the love of horses and not only loving them but respecting them. He started breaking horses at the age of ten and never quit. His love was also team roping with deb at his side. Rex won his first rodeo with his dad Erv at the age of fourteen. He was a member of the PRCA for many years competing in team roping and calf roping. He loved traveling around doing lots of roping. 

He had an arena next to his home, so he did not have to be very far from his family, and still do lots of practicing. He taught his children and his grand children to be good ropers and competitors. In his roping career he won three horse trailers, fifty-two saddles, and hundreds of buckles. In the past ten years he started to get hooked on barrel racing and taking Deb to races where he loved watching her and the grandkids.  

Rex loved going hunting. He loved fall camp and enjoyed spending time with his friends, Toby Gilroy's family and Greg Gilroy, sharing hunting stories by the campfire. 

Rex Married his high school sweetheart Deb Chew on June 23rd, 1973 in Jensen Utah by bishop Wade Slaugh. In Nov 13, 1975, they were sealed in the Provo Utah temple. They were blessed with five children. The most exciting day for Rex was when he became a grandpa. He loved them unconditionally and cared for them deeply. Rex touched the hearts of many and had made many friends in his life.

He loved his calling as a primary teacher where he felt it an honor to teach the four-year-old children.

Rex’s most important thing in life was his wife Deb which was his best friend and partner for life. He always told her he loved her many times a day and would leave her sweet messages. He always said, “Always kiss her good night”.  

Rex is survived by his wife Deb of 47 years, Five children Randy (Jenny) Wilkins, Brandy Wilkins, Christi (Brett) Cook, Jake (Alissa Sue) Wilkins, and Jessica Wilkins. Eleven grandchildren Sequoyah (Chancy) Slaugh, Lacee (Chance) Kay, Brett Bushnell, Chandler (Ky) Jensen, Curry Wilkins, Brexton Cook, Hagen and Emmee petty, Waylon, Josee, and Cooper Wilkins. Great grandson Grady Slaugh. Brothers Creg (LynnEve) Wilkins, and David (Linda) Jolley. Sister Karen (Agee) Spidle. Mother-in-law Sylvia Chew. Many nephews, nieces and friends he loved dearly. 

He is proceeded in death by his grandparents, parents, and one grandson Augustus.

We love you Rex and will miss you very much every day. You have left us saddened and wishing you were still here, but we know you are up there probably saddling up your favorite horses and riding in the green valleys.

Funeral services  will be conducted Friday Jan. 22, 2021 at 11:00 am at Vernal's Western Park indoor arena ( 200 South 203 East). A viewing will Thursday 6-8 pm and Friday 9:45-10: All at the Western Park Arena.  Burial will be in the Jensen Cemetery. Under the care and direction of the Blackburn & Sons Vernal Mortuary & Cremation Care.