Thomas Rex Dunn, 81, of Annabella, Utah, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, with his wife, Janice, by his side, after a courageous battle with heart and kidney disease.
Born December 15, 1943, in Compton, California, to Thomas Byron and Davetta Thompson Dunn, Rex was the youngest of his family and was doted on by his brother JL and sister Sara Mae. He grew up in Annabella, Utah, where helping on the family farm sparked his lifelong love of farming and ranching. A proud South Sevier Ram, he graduated in 1962 and recently organized a class reunion that reconnected him with many dear friends.
After serving a mission in Scotland for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rex earned degrees from BYU and the University of Utah. Drafted during the Vietnam War, he served with honor in the 1st Air Cavalry, receiving the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and several other commendations.
On May 2, 1970, Rex married his sweetheart, Janice Corry, in the Manti Temple. Together they raised four children—Carrie, Valerie, Cory, and Beau—and created a home rich with family traditions, from holiday shopping trips to cheering at BYU football games. Rex was a devoted father who never missed his children’s games, races, or performances, and later poured that same love into his grandchildren’s activities.
Rex worked as Regional Director of Nursing Medicaid for the Utah Department of Health until retiring in 2005, though he always considered himself first a farmer and rancher. He cared deeply for his land and cattle, often giving his herd playful names.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; children Carrie Garner (Heath), Cory (Danae), and Beau (Elliot); and four grandchildren: Micah, Abigail, Zoey, and Colston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Byron and Davetta Thompson Dunn, brothers Thomas Byron, Donald Carl, and JL, sister Sara Mae Nelson, and his beloved daughter, Valerie.
Rex will be remembered for his faith in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, devotion to his family, and enduring kindness.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Annabella Ward Chapel.
With a viewing from 6:00 - 7:00 pm Friday evening at Magleby Mortuary, 50 S 100 W, Richfield, Utah.
Prior to services, a viewing will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church.
Burial will follow in the Annabella Cemetery with Military Honors.
Funeral Directors Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti
Magleby Mortuary
Annabella Ward Chapel
Annabella Ward Chapel
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