Creston Rex Fozzard

Creston Rex Fozzard, 40, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on November 8, 2022, after a tragic fall. Rex was born in Carbondale, Illinois, on March 2, 1982, to parents Randy and Lee Ann Fozzard.

Rex grew up with his younger sister Lois Ann and he often spoke of his cherished childhood memories with his close-knit family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rex spent his earliest years moving across the country with his parents as his father advanced his career. Rex enjoyed exploring new cities and schools and making many new friends along the way. Rex never knew a stranger and loved talking to everyone. His personality was infectious and we quickly learned that people were naturally drawn to him. In 1990, Rex’s sister Lois was born. Rex was so proud to be a Big Brother. The first time he held his sister he said, “I didn’t know she would be so sweet.” It was love at first sight. Rex even received a special award from the City of Miami, Florida, for exemplifying what it means to be a great big brother and the importance of a brother’s love.

Rex’s family moved to Phoenix when Rex started fifth grade, and this became Rex’s home. Rex was a member of the Church of the Beatitudes. He was very proud that he was chosen to address the church’s congregation on behalf of his confirmation class. Rex had many interests. He especially enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, playing video games and hanging out with his sister and his friends. Rex and his father enjoyed snow skiing, deep sea fishing and white water rafting. These were special memories that they cherished. Family vacations were important to Rex. He loved traveling together, seeing new sights and enjoying special family times.

Rex and his sister Lois were very close and shared a special bond. Rex was the quintessential big brother. He was protective, taught her life lessons from his perspective as her big brother and just had fun with her. They were a “closed corporation” and held each other’s secrets. It was very sweet when Rex would “clear the way” for his sister to play in the park. He always watched over her and Lois knew that he was always there for her. They shared a bond that was unbreakable.

Rex attended Brophy College Preparatory where he gained an enhanced understanding of life through his Brophy instructors and course work. Rex formed many special relationships during his time at Brophy. He graduated from Brophy in 2000 and chose to attend the University of Arizona. During Rex’s college years, he made some of the most important friendships of his life and also met his future wife. Rex was always able to make his friends feel good about themselves. He was very generous and was happiest when those around him were happy. Rex enjoyed his time in Tucson, and he graduated from U of A in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Minor in Business Administration.

Rex possessed a very strong work ethic and held jobs from a young age. He took his work seriously and always dedicated his best efforts to the job. Three of his favorite employment experiences were his time spent as a mutual teller at Turf Paradise and Rillito Park, his time in sales for Jobing .com and his time in operations management at Mattress Firm. He was always very proud of his career. Rex enjoyed working as a mutual teller during high school and college. He enjoyed the fast paced, exciting job and the interactions with the customers. While at Jobing.com, Rex was afforded the opportunity to continue his education through leadership training courses. Rex believed these courses helped define his work ethic. While employed at Mattress Firm, Rex received several special awards and he took great pride in these recognitions. Rex was grateful for the relationships he formed with his co-workers.

In 2009, the proudest moment of Rex’s life occurred. His beautiful daughter Marissa was born. She was the light of his life. They shared a lifetime of wonderful memories together. They laughed, played and invented so many silly games. One of their favorites was a challenge game they named “Feats of Strength.” Of course, Marissa always won! They would often be found rolling around on the floor, laughing out loud. They loved their vacations together. One of their favorites was a special motorhome trip. They also enjoyed cooking together. Rex was gratified to teach Marissa cooking techniques and to encourage her to try new foods. Her favorite meal request was always “Daddy’s Spaghetti.” Rex also loved teaching Marissa about classic rock and songs that he loved. Just as he had done earlier with his sister, he exposed Marissa to the bands he considered to be influential. He was so pleased when Marissa could sing a Beatles song. Rex and Marissa enjoyed many evenings looking up at the stars and the moon. They shared meaningful conversations during these special moments. Rex loved telling his friends and family about Marissa. He was endlessly proud as he watched her grow into a beautiful young girl.

Rex was a wonderful son, brother and father. He would often say that he wanted to serve and care for his father, make his mother happy and laugh, let his sister know he would always be there for her, and be the very best father to his precious daughter Marissa.

Rex will be remembered for his kind and giving nature, his loving heart, his sense of humor and his ability to bring happiness to others. He was very creative and had a knack for coming up with the most unique nicknames. He was an amazing cook from which his family and friends greatly benefited. He loved planning menus and cooking for family gatherings. Rex believed in doing the right thing and possessed great strength of character. He had a strong spiritual faith from which he drew. Rex’s last selfless act was the gift of organ donation. He felt strongly that if ever faced with this situation, he wanted to give other families the gift of life.

Please remember Rex and keep him alive in your hearts and minds. Every so often, tell a “Rex” story. We all have them. This will make him smile.

Rex is survived by his parents, Randy and Lee Ann Fozzard, his sister, Lois Ann Babis and spouse Alex, his daughter, Marissa Anne Fozzard, and his uncle, Jack Marks, all of Phoenix, Arizona, Rex’s uncle, Reed Fozzard and spouse Kay, and first cousins, Pete Fozzard and Chris Fozzard, all of Carterville, Illinois, and many special, extended family cousins. Rex was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Barney and Delores Fozzard and his maternal grandparents Rex and Martha Lee Murphy with whom he shared very special relationships. He was also preceded in death by his aunt, Lois Marks, with whom he shared a very special and close connection.

A private service will be held at a later date. A gift to your favorite charity in Rex’s name is an excellent way to honor his memory.