Rex Wooten
November 16, 1934 – May 16, 2025

Rex Wooten was born in his grandmother's feather bed in Erick, Oklahoma, on November 16, 1934, to Jesse and Ruby Wooten and proud big sister Bobbie.

In 1945, Jesse moved the family to the Texas Panhandle, where Rex quickly learned the values that would shape his life: hard work, loyalty, and deep devotion to family. From an early age, the farming lifestyle left its mark on him—and he never strayed far from it.

Rex spent many years farming in Castro County and running cattle at Tri-W Ranch in Arizona until 1989, when he decided it was time to "get out while they were ahead." He then started a cattle-hauling business, trucking livestock across the region. Later, he supported fellow farmers and ranchers as a farm inspector and loan officer at First United Bank. He married Jerrye Lilley in 1997, and they both retired in 2007.

Rex rode horses and Harleys—and it's fair to say he was happiest on either. In his later years, he and Jerrye, along with their loyal pup Cash, found joy in traveling the open roads to Idaho and Arizona in their motorhome—fondly known as "motorcamp."

Rex had a way with language. He spoke English, tossed around a few Spanish phrases like "sí," "listo," and "el chopo," and used hand signals like a pro. But most memorably, he spoke "Grandpa," a language all its own. "Sure, you can drive the Jeep," "You bet I'll run the cotton stripper," "Let's go to the Lextron barn and drink a Mountain Dew," and always, "There's no such thing as too much ice cream."

Rex's love for his family was steadfast and enduring. He experienced it in the fullest form—his kids just kept coming back, each time bringing more with them. Through his example, he passed on the values of hard work, the importance of knowing right from wrong, and the comfort of unfailing love. He was the kind of dad and grandpa who always had the time and tools to fix whatever needed fixing, and encouraged us all to 'do our own thinkin'.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ruby Wooten; sister and brother-in-law Bobbie and Bob Hill; son-in-law Van Hopson; and many beloved cousins in Oklahoma and Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Jerrye; son Dudley Wooten of Dimmitt; daughter and son-in-law Joyce and Randy Bills of Earth; daughter and son-in-law Amy and Jameson Longanecker of Sandpoint, Idaho; and children by marriage: Carole Hopson of Dimmitt; Sally and Steve Stanton of Cleburne; Jack Stewart of Fort Worth; and Candace Moses of Amarillo.

Together they share 14 beloved grandchildren and their spouses:
Jason and Carla Wooten of Dimmitt; Rusty and Michelle Wooten of Lubbock; Katie and Derek Ray of Seminole; Bruce Bills of Lubbock; Curt and Shelley Bills of Dimmitt; Jett Longanecker of Idaho; Kai Longanecker of North Carolina; Pax Longanecker of Idaho; Cody and Kelly Fry of Amarillo; Cory and Bree Hopson of Amarillo; Shelby Stanton of Cleburne; Sidney Stewart of China; Reid Fry of Amarillo; and Rocky and Cammy Fry of Lamesa.

He also leaves behind a growing legacy of great-grandchildren:
Anna and Audrey Wooten; Kirby Wooten; Michael and Meredith Ray; Grady, Bowen, and Barrett Bills; Taylor and Billy Henly and daughter Hazel; Berkley Fry; Marshall and Madelyn Fehr; Reagan Pickett; and Gray and Bo Fry.

Special thanks to our angels on earth at Country View Living and Traditions Hospice Team. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, c/o Steve Buckley, 1607 W. Bedford St., Dimmitt, TX 79027  or Castro County Museum, PO Box 602, Dimmitt, TX 79027.

Go rest high on that mountain RW. Your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.