Rex Harding White Jr.

Rex H White Jr. peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 04, 2021. Rex is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda; sons and daughters-in-law Rex III and Terri White; Eric and Mary Polnau. Lovingly known as Pop Pop, he is blessed by his eight amazing grandchildren, Rankin, Annabelle, Allison, Ella Grace, Katie, Julia, Hannah, and Samuel.

Rex Jr. was born in Houston, Texas, on September 27, 1932, to Rex and Bernice White. His three great passions were his family, his church and his profession. He lived an amazing adventure, touching so many people along the way.

Rex earned a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1960, and worked as a petroleum geologist-geophysicist for Mobil Oil Corporation. This experience led to many adventures as a diver in the Gulf of Mexico, working the oilfields and walking the reservations of New Mexico.

Rex later returned to Austin to earn his law degree from UT, graduating in 1967 and embarking upon a 53 year legal career focused on oil and gas. He began at the Texas Attorney General’s Office and then served as Special Counsel to the Texas Railroad Commission. This led to a brilliant 40+ year career as a Partner in private practice, ultimately opening an independent practice at 65 years old. He continued this for the next 22 years. His career as a geologist and lawyer formed a passion for championing and representing the independent oilman and landowner. Rex served on corporate Boards of Directors, and was involved with many organizations, including decades as a passionate member of the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association, serving as a three term President and later as Chairman of its Board of Directors. He was honored with Chairman Emeritus and the Hats Off Award, TIPRO’s highest honor. It was this service to the independent oilman that he valued the most in his career.

Rex loved his church, St. Mark’s Episcopal in Austin. It was here, along with Brenda, that they found their true community. He loved being involved with the activities and people of St. Mark’s, whether it was serving as Lay Eucharist Minister or Lay Reader, encouraging the less than seaworthy on the annual men’s fishing trip, providing expert guidance to the annual chicken BBQ, reading the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, or giving his legal and life experience to the Vestry…he loved this church. Lovingly, in the last months of his life, many young members came forward to express their thanks to him for taking time to acknowledge them, lend an ear, or to encourage them in their faith. We have been so touched to see this appreciation of his life across generations. The family is forever grateful for all the love you have given our family.

His family was his greatest love and passion. He and Brenda had an amazing marriage of over 40 years. They had the chance to travel the world and make so many memories, pictures of which are all over their home. It was his role as Pop Pop that truly brought him his greatest joy. He was a doting grandfather, rarely missing a dance recital, football, baseball, volleyball, or basketball game. His grandchildren loved him, and were so blessed to have him in their lives. He leaves a legacy of love, graciousness, patience, and honor that will carry on for many generations.

The family greatly appreciates the services and loving care provided by the staff at Hospice Austin.

An outdoor service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 1:00 pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2128 Barton Hills Drive, Austin, Texas 78704.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for memorial donations to be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (2128 Barton Hills Drive, Austin, Texas 78704) or Hospice Austin (4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78759).