Rex Ellis, 84 of Moorcroft, passed away on June 17, 2015.

Rex Doyle Ellis was born on May 31, 1931 to Jesse H. and Helen E. (Masters) Ellis in Moorcroft, Wyoming. The family lived on the farm where Rex was born. Rex was the youngest of five children and his childhood was spent primarily in Moorcroft, Pine Haven and Newcastle Wyoming.

He was working in Newcastle, Wyoming when he was drafted into the Marines at the age of 19 in March of 1952. He attended Boot Camp in San Diego, California before being transferred to Baker School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Rex spent much of his military career in Japan with an additional stay at El Toro in Santa Ana California. While in California he and some other Marines worked in Barstow helping to build a motel. Rex always told the story about the foreman that complimented him and his buddies on what nice young men they were. The foreman told them they only see the Marines that come to town and cause problems. The foreman stated that his outlook on the military personal had changed due to these young men. That was the kind of motto that Rex lived his life by. Be kind, courteous and treat others the way you would like to be treated.

While still in the military and home on leave Rex met his future wife, Teddie Lou Eberspecher. After being honorably discharged from the Marines in March of 1955 he headed back to Wyoming to marry Teddie Lou. Rex and Teddie were married in Hot Springs, South Dakota on October 1, 1955. Rex took a job in the oil industry which had them move to North Dakota. Montana was their next location and this is where their daughter was born. A move back to Newcastle, Wyoming kept them there for a couple of years before another move to Santa Rosa, California. The next move brought the young family back to Lusk, Wyoming where their son was born. The family moved back to Newcastle where they raised their family and set down roots. Much of their family and friends were in the area so this was a logical place to settle.

After retirement Rex and Teddie decided to move back to Moorcroft to the family farm. They spent the early years of their retirement setting up their new home and replanting their roots in the quiet community. Rex loved traveling to Deadwood to play a slot or two, but the best part of going to Deadwood was to just walk around and visit with people. Rex loved to visit with people and Deadwood provided the opportunity to see many of their old friends.

Rex passed away due to a lengthy illness while spending the winter with his wife, daughter and son-in-law in Fulshear, Texas. Many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit them while they were there.

Rex was preceded in death by his father, mother, step-father, and all four of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Teddie, his daughter, Rexanne East and husband Ranford of Fulshear, Texas; his son, Trent Ellis and his wife Joyce of Salt Lake City, Utah; four grandchildren, Ryan & Brianne East, Rocky & Dalyn East, Randi Dawn East and Genevieve Ellis & fiancé Shawn Soper; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Family was very important Rex and his retirement years gave him the opportunity to spend time with them.

A graveside service will be held for a few family and friends on Saturday, June 27th at 9 AM at the Moorcroft Cemetery. A Memorial/Pot Luck will be held at the Moorcroft Community Center on Saturday, June 27th from Noon to 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Oshoto Church, 1103 Cabin Creek Rd, Oshoto, WY 82721.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com