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John R. "Bobby" Rex

john rex
John R. (Bobby) Rex, age 75, born April 26, 1943 in Dallas, Texas, long-time resident of San Antonio, passed away in the early hours of December 16, 2018 in Cibolo, Texas surrounded by his family. Bobby’s life passion was his racing, whether it was drag racing, funny cars or Top Fuel. Bobby’s love of racing began in high school at the Double Eagle Track, and he was a member of the IHRA and NHRA for many years. Not many people can say that they lived their life doing exactly what they loved; however, Bobby definitely could. Everything he ever did was for his love of racing, including working at specialty car parts companies such as Bauman’s Auto Parts, Topps Exotic Cars, and Mack Trucks. His racing career really took off in 1964 with the T-Bucket altered car with Wesley Hicks. In 1965 he worked with Norris Gohmert on “Fearless 40 Ford”. In 1968, he worked on an AA Fuel Dragster with Floyd Head. Beginning in 1971 he was the Crew Chief of the “Mexican Revolution” funny car, owned by Johnny Valadez. In 1978, he was the Crew Chief of the “Buck Fever” funny car, owned by Gordon Leland. Soon after, he worked with Marvin Foxworth, and started driving work trucks and worked a variety of jobs including vehicular testing. In 1989, he and James McDougal started building a Top Fuel car called “Havoc”, with Doug Foxworth as the driver. This became the beginning of Bobby Rex Racing, which he owned for 10 years. These years included racing the “Mexican Revolution Nostalgic Funny Car”. Since that time, he had been working with Jack Chisenhall at Vintage Air helping with the “Texas Longhorn II” and organizing the numerous Cackle Fests. Throughout the years he received an astounding amount of awards and recognition certificates including: Vintage Air Open House Recognition for the significant dedication and contributions to the sport of Hot Rodding & Drag Racing in 2014, Hall of Fame in the sport of Drag Racing from the American Motorsport Museum & Vintage Air in 2016, the “Pic” Mauldin Sportsmanship Award in recognition of his tireless effort in the interest of Drag Racing in 2017 and the Lifetime Achievement in Drag Racing award from the Heartland Hot Rod Reunion. Bobby is preceded in death by parents, Jay D. & Catherine Rex; brother, George Rex; sisters, Ellene Beard and Bess Hart; and niece, Cathy Finn. He is survived by his son, Jason Rex and family; his love, Janie Selby and her family Stephanie, Mason & Maddie. Sisters, Suzanne Brown and Carol Mathews; numerous nieces and nephews. We would like to thank the Vitas staff, especially his nurses during his final hours, Norma Rena Bush & Lorraine Munoz. Viewing and Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 1pm at Meadowlawn Funeral Home (5611 E. Houston St. San Antonio, Texas 78220). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bobby Rex’s name to “DRAW” (Drag Racing Association of Women) via DRAWOnline.org or a charity of your choice.

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  1. Am so saddened by Bobby’s passing. He was 1 of my favorite cousins and had the prettiest blue eyes in all of the Rex family. He loved race cars and was a top notch mechanic with an excellent sense of humor. I can still picture his sweet smile. Until we meet again, love you Cuz, Kathleen

  2. I met Bobby in 1963 at double eagle raceway and we been friends ever since. People go through life making friends and some friends become good friends and if your really lucky some will become Old Friends Old Friends shine like diamonds Old Friends you can always call”em” Old Friends LORD you can’t “buy-em” Adios Old Amigo Rodriguez Brothers Racing team. your old friend George Rodriguez

  3. Bobby was always great to be around. Don’t really know how long I’ve known him. Seems like I always have. Knew him through my father Watus.He loved being at the track and talking drag racing. One of the people I’ll sincerely miss. God speed

  4. I met Bobby 5 years ago through Stayton my boyfriend. He was fun to be around always happy with his big smile. Loved seeing him start up that dragster at the many car shows. We will miss him.

  5. I’ve known Bobby since the 1960’s.We had lots of goo times. I know by now you and Wesley are talking hot rods. Until we all meet again RIP my friend.

  6. Always a positive, smiling, man full of fun loved Racing and a good Friend . God Speed my Friend we will miss that big Smile! Thought and Prayers to the Family .

  7. Bobby and I go back to teenagers, all the years that past each time I would see him it would be the same, he was always in good spirits and quick to laugh. Each time I would see him at the races or events with cars he would always take time to visit and catch up. He will always be remembered for a long and special friendship. RIP

  8. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bobby. May the cherished memories you have help sustain you during this time. May we always have hope in Gods promise to eliminate death in the future recorded at Rev. 21:3, 4. Prayers are said for the peace of your family.


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