Al Rex

After a valiant struggle with declining health, Al Rex passed to his heavenly home on June 25, 2023, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 85. Lawrence Alvin Rex was born on April 22, 1938, in Safford, Arizona.

Al touched many young lives in his years as an educator and coach in Willcox, Casa Grande, Kingman and Globe. He graduated from Safford High School in 1956 and Northern Arizona University in 1960. He was inducted into NAU’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009 for his achievements in football, basketball, and track and field. As a football player, he was honorable mention All- American, a two-time All-Frontier Conference selection, an all-District 7 selection and a member of the 1958 team that went 11-0 before losing the NAIA championship game. Al caught eight touchdown passes in 1958, which is high on NAU’s all-time single-season list. That same year, Al played in the Holiday Bowl, the first college game in Arizona broadcast on television. He also held conference records in 100-yard and 220-yard events, winning two conference titles. After graduating with a degree in education and an outstanding athletic career as a Lumberjack, Al signed with the Dallas Cowboys for a short training.

Besides coaching, Al enjoyed many years fishing, hunting, traveling and playing golf. In 2003, Al and his wife Sharon settled into permanent retirement in Marana, Arizona. They were married for 64 years.

Al is survived by his wife Sharon Korsten Rex, children Martin James (Mimi) and Robyn Rachelle, grandchildren Andrew and Sarah, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Lou and Lola (Gatlin) Rex, brother James Rex and sister Betty (Rex) McNair.

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life on July 15, 2023, at The Highlands Clubhouse, 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd., Marana, from 1-3 p.m.

Donations are appreciated in Al’s name to the NAU Athletics program, nauteambehindtheteams.com.