Rex Earl Burks

Rex Earl Burks age 74 of Newcastle passed away Monday, December 08, 2014 in Oklahoma City. He was born December 4, 1940 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Rex was the 4th son of five sons born to Arthur Burks and Esther Ellen (Binion) Burks. Rex grew up in Hobart and attended Hobart schools. At the end of his junior year, he joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country overseas during the Vietnam conflict. After four years of faithful service, he was honorably discharged in 1962. He moved to Dumas, Texas and began working as a farmer. While living in Dumas, Rex met the love of his life and future wife, Olivia Rhea Steen. They were married on August 10, 1963 in Dumas, Texas. Rex and Olivia later started a family raising three children, Tracy, Sam and Charlene. After his farming days were over in Texas, Rex moved his family to California in 1966 and got a job in an aircraft machine shop. Then, beginning in 1969, he began working as an electrical and mechanical technician, servicing pinball machines. In 1982, they moved to Newcastle, Oklahoma and Rex began a career with Western Electric in OKC. Rex stayed with the company after it sold to AT&T and later Lucent Technology, retiring in 2001. Rex's main hobby was tinkering on, repairing and building home computers for his family and friends. He was a member of the Blanchard American Legion and a life member of the DAV. Rex loved his family and he loved his country. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Arthur and Esther Burks; Three brothers, Luell Burks, James Burks and Billy Burks; He is survived by: Wife, Olivia Burks of the home in Newcastle, Two sons, Tracy Burks of Newcastle, Sam Burks and wife Charlene of Statesville, NC; One daughter, Charlene Catral and husband Winston of Winston Salem, NC; One brother, Clifton Burks of OKC; Mother-in-law, Lottie Steen of Dumas, TX; Six grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Graveside funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, December 12, 2014 at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin, OK. Arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle, OK. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to "Wounded Warriors."

Rex Earl Burks

December 4, 1940 - December 8, 2014