Gordon Rex Mize

Rex Mize passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024. He was born December 26, 1943 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was adopted by his aunt and uncle who raised him in Oklahoma City with his brother Jack. After high school graduation he attended Oklahoma State University before deciding to join the Marines. He was a war veteran having served in the Special Forces in Vietnam. After an honorable discharge he had a variety of jobs including being a bounty hunter; however, Rex spent the majority of his career in construction as a successful superintendent for many different projects from homes to condominiums to restaurants. While living in South Florida he met Elaine Mize whom he married in 1979. He became a proud father to her three children Joe, Donna and Gio. He and Elaine shared many friends and adventures together. They made a move to Colorado and then to Arizona where they resided at the time of his death.

Rex was a great son, brother, husband, dad, poppy, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, and spending time with his family whom he cherished. He was a shrewd poker player, an aspiring gamer (only wanting to beat his grandkids-“ooga booga”), and a master at Connect Four. Rex also enjoyed a glass of scotch while relaxing in his recliner with John Wayne on the TV or while smoking a cigar out on the deck on the river or in his backyard. He will be remembered for his incredible strength and ferocity but also his compassion, warm acceptance of those he loved and an impeccable poker face.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jack.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children Joe and his wife Beth, Donna and her husband David, and Gio; 5 grandchildren, Nicholas and his wife Andrea, Zach, Ryan, Taylor, and Justin; 2 great grandchildren, Jade and Sophia; niece Deanna and her husband Mark, and nephews Tommy and his wife Jenny and Clay and his fiancé Brooke.

Memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or MDAnderson.org/Gifts.