Melvin "Jerry" Rex

Surrounded by his loving family, Jerry passed away at home on Thursday, January 31st after courageously battling cancer. Jerry was born in Caldwell, Ohio, on January 24, 1943 to Dale and Adelene Rex, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joyce, and five wonderful children: Chris (Kim) Rex, Andrea Hoy, Deanna Petty, Lisa (Jason) Rickert and Brian (Kim) Rex. Spending time with his 11 grandchildren – Alex, Garrett, Nick, Jordan, Ethan, Meagan, Avery, Kate, Athina, Stella and Carly – was truly the highlight of his life whether they were swimming, fishing, playing cards, shooting hoops, vacationing, or simply spending time together. Jerry also has three surviving siblings, Janet (Cal) Cashman, Raymond (Mary) Rex, and Randy (Tia) Rex as well as cherished brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Jerry taught science and physical education for 35 years, mostly with the Mad River Local School District. Besides teaching, Jerry coached basketball, which was his lifelong passion. He was varsity boys’ basketball coach at Stebbins for 10 years, receiving the honor of Ohio Division 1 Co-coach of the Year in 1990. He also was Stebbins girls’ varsity coach for two years. With a total of 54 years of coaching, Jerry coached on middle school, freshmen, and JV levels in Mad River, Centerville, Kettering, Beavercreek, Fairborn and Bellbrook.

In 2000, Jerry started coaching with the Dayton Lady Hoopstars AAU program. Blessed with some of the best players in the Miami Valley, Jerry achieved many successes with his teams. Always the consummate coach, he shared many memorable moments with his players and families.

Blessed with great friends and family, Jerry enjoyed house boating at Cumberland, vacationing with friends, attending sporting events, bicycling, and traveling with his AAU families.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7th at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd in Beavercreek. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Friday, February 8th with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00. Jerry’s nephew, Anthony Rex, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Dayton would be greatly appreciated, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45420.