Obituary of Rex L. Edwards

Rex L. Edwards, M.D., died Sunday, May 13, 2012, at Paris Regional Medical Center. Dr. Edwards was born August 1, 1929, in Clarksville to James Earl “Jack” and Robbie Lee “Bobbie” Latimer Edwards. He married Billie Dobson on June 26, 1949 and was a member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Edwards attended the University of Texas at Austin, and was granted membership to the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society before being admitted to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He was accepted to medical school based on three years of academic excellence and graduated 3rd in his class. Dr. Edwards served his country and community in many ways. He enlisted in the United States Army on his 17th birthday and served during the Occupation of Japan. After completing medical school, he practiced in Clarksville for over 32 years and served on the Red River County Hospital Board of Directors until his death. During that time, he was instrumental in vaccinating county residents against polio, establishing annual football physicals for high school athletes, and delivering several generations of Red River County children. He also served on the CISD School Board for 15 years and was a Scout Master. Dr. Edwards is preceded in death by a son, Rex Lee Edwards, Jr.; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Jessie (Dobson) and Bill Thacker, Anne (Dobson) and “Dunk” Duncan, and Robert Storey; and a nephew, Michael Martin. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Billie (Dobson) Edwards of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Bettie and Dr. Randy Millikan; beloved grandchildren, Janice Millikan, Laura Elizabeth Millikan, Emilie and husband Ray Clement, Rex Lee Edwards, III and James Millikan; one great-grandchild, Luke Nolan Clement; one sister-in-law, Bettie Storey; one daughter-in-law, Kitty Edwards-Coursey; one sister, Dixie Herrington, and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are his grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers are Avon Flaniken, Pete Wright, Billy Ray Hines, James “Punchy” King, James “Buddy” Vaughan, and their Friday night friends at the Clarksville Country Club. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ed Dodson officiating. Private graveside services will follow in English Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. In lieu flowers the family ask that memorials be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; online at www.jdrf.org/ . or call 800-533-2873 or to the First Presbyterian Church at 106 S. Pecan, Clarksville, Texas 75426 or cancer reasearch at www.cancerresearch.org/ . Online condolences may be sent to the Edwards family at www.clarksvillefuneralhome.com.