Wednesday, April 29, 2009
We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Kentucky's oldest veteran, Robley Rex at the age of 107: Robley Rex, WWI-era vet, dies at age 107
Robley Henry Rex, a World War I-era Army veteran renowned and beloved for his volunteer service to other veterans, died today at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville just four days short of his 108th birthday.
Rex was born May 2, 1901 [This is incorrect according to emailer JT Major. Rex lied about his age when he enlisted and was actually born January 2, 1903. I guess that would make him 106? -S] in Hopkinsville. He credited his longevity to his wife of 69 years, the former Gracie Bivins, who died in 1992 at age 91.
"I married the right woman," Rex always said. He called her "the smartest woman in the world."
The two met at Camp Taylor in Louisville in 1919 before he was sent overseas with the Army. They married in 1922 when he returned to the United States.
Rex was "delightful, bubbly and an energetic, fun guy to be around," retired Brig. Gen. Les Beavers, commissioner the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs from 1998 until December, told The Courier-Journal a few years ago. Beavers had shared the stage with Rex at many veterans ceremonies.
"Robley not only had a long life, but a quality life. It was an honor to know him," Beavers said....
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Robley Rex's family, and our thanks to Robley for an example of a life well-lived.
I miss you, Rex.
I miss having coffee amd breakfast with you at the VA Prosthetics waiting room every morning before we began our day.
I'm glad we had those years and shared all those stories, especially the ones we shared about Gracie and Leslie..
I miss you, and I'll see you later.
Shawn.