Rex Barnes

Rex John Barnes
October 27, 1977 – June 16, 2022

You may have heard it said that the most important thing in life is what you do with your dash (The one between your start of life and the end of your life). Rex’s dash may have been shorter than most, but it was amazing.

Rex was born in Durango to Jack and Jeanie Barnes, and joined his older brother, Neil. Three years later, his younger brother, Todd completed the family. From the beginning of life, he was a compassionate, caring person, with a unique sense of humor that could have the entire group around him in stitches! In Kindergarten, Rex revealed a unique learning ability and it never left him. He loved to play sports and he enjoyed family time on the farm or ranch of family relatives, but his biggest passion was country music. Music spoke to Rex and when he began to write poetry in high school, he excelled at that also. He would let all his thoughts and emotions out in his poems. After graduating from Durango High School, Rex served 4 years in the United States Air Force and was a Crew Chief on B52 Bombers at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana. After his time with the Air Force, he returned to Durango. He married his one true love, Robin Smith on November 12, 2005 and adopted his oldest daughter, Shelby. In January of 2007, his second daughter, Austyn arrived and December of 2008 completed their family when his third daughter, Dakota arrived. Even though Rex grew up with two brothers, he became an amazing father to three girls! Rex worked at many places, but almost every one of them involved driving big trucks, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He refed wrestling matches and tournaments throughout the 4-Corners area and played softball on Rec. leagues. He had a giving, servant heart and was always volunteering his time, equipment and physical labor to help those he knew. He often thought of ways he could help others and make their lives more enjoyable. He was the family trip facilitator and organizer, always trying his best to make sure every single person had maximum fun. His family is left with countless memories because of his efforts and planning. In true Rex fashion, on the day he died in a truck wreck, he made the decision to take evasive action to avoid hitting passenger vehicles filled with families. The highway patrol said they are certain his decision changed the number of injuries and fatalities at the scene from many to only one – Rex. He gave even after his death, as on organ donor, which he felt strongly about.

In addition to his wife, Robin and his three daughters, Shelby, Austyn and Dakota, Rex is survived by his Mom and Dad, Jeanie and Ron Widner, his two brothers Neil (Eirann) Barnes and Todd Barnes, sisters Theresa (Ryan) VanRiper, Kristy (Justin)Amyx and his brother Nate (Jill) Widner. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends. Rex’s father, Jack Barnes preceded him in death, as well as all grandparents. As you can see, his “dash” was full and well lived and when he left this world he went straight to heaven to join his loved ones gone before. He left a void but we will try our best to live as he would want us to – enjoying life, laughing, loving and making more memories while cherishing those he left us.

Services will be held at the La Plata County Extension Office, 2500 Main Ave. On Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to his wife & children through Hood Mortuary.