Rex Barton Cline

Rex Cline was born November 6, 1921 in Riverton, Nebraska .

Following graduation from Riverton High School in 1939, Rex graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney with his Bachelor’s degree. He returned to serve as principal and coach of Riverton High School. After the outbreak of World War II, Rex joined the U.S. Air Force in June, 1942. He fulfilled his childhood dream to serve as a bomber pilot. Rex flew B-29's in the Western Pacific, including 37 missions over Japan. After the war ended, Rex proudly continued to serve his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves until March, 1959.

In 1950, Rex went back to college to earn a Masters in Education Supervision/Administration from Colorado State University. On August 25, 1950, he married Erma Hackman at Trinity Lutheran Church in Greeley, CO. Rex later worked for General Electric. In 1965, he and Erma moved to Houston where he worked for NASA. 20 years later, he retired as a senior technical editor and writer. Rex and Erma moved to Tyler in 1985 where they were members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and served in various capacities.

In His grace, the Lord blessed Rex with the gift of eternal life in heaven on December 26, 2010 at the age of 89 years. His earthly remains will be lovingly interred at Whitehouse Cemetery at noon December 29. His memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Tyler, at 1:30 on Wednesday.

Rex’s survivors include his wife of 60 years, Erma Cline of Whitehouse, three daughters Jane E. Peoples of Carrollton, TX., Nancy A. Cline of Plano, TX., Lisa K. Moncrief of The Woodlands, TX.; 6 grandchildren, and a brother, Gerald H. Cline. He was preceded in death by one sister, Eunice May Cline Zanetello. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Tyler, TX. or to a charity of your choice.