The 50th anniversary of our Moline High School class was only a short time ago, 2016. The 50th wedding anniversary - for Rex and LaWanda - was the next year.
Christina and I walked toward an empty table and Rex went with us. Others joined with us and shared a great time. One of my mother's favorite students sat on my right. The grandparents of a very special boy were across the table from us, and so forth. Everything was great until the no-talent rock band (a tradition based on someone's demand) began blasting away. Everyone in the pack room got up because conversation was impossible.
As we left, my chem-physics class lab partner from MHS suggested we meet again at the 70th anniversary, when our hearing was expected to return to normal.
Christina and I enjoyed the gathering because so many Moliners knew her from previous reunions and from their matriculation at Augustana College. Students from Garfield Elementary School (now a condo) came up to tell me how much they loved my mother as their teacher. Melo Cream Donut fans asked me about coming back to make donuts again.
Everyone was in awe of Rex's singing talent. We will always remember his modesty and his faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He and I shared experiences and he said from reading this blog, "Lutherans are not alone in their troubles."
Time rushes by us so fast. When I was writing to the ALC and LCA leaders about their massive failures in doctrine, ALC President David Preus responded, snarking, "Take time to smell the roses." That was around 1987 as ELCA was forming. He lived until 2021 at the age of 99. The good die young.
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| Rex and LaWanda were among the first to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. |
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| Martin Luther said, "Children are the blessed fruit of marriage." Rex and LaWanda are center in the back row. |
IN MEMORY OF
Rev. Rex Alfred Bullock
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Rex's obituary
Rex Alfred Bullock was born to Foy and Doris Nell (Spears) Bullock in Jacksonville, Texas on August 23, 1947 and he passed to his heavenly reward January 12, 2023, in Tualatin, Oregon surrounded by family, singing over him “Jesus Lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly.”
In 1964, at the age of 16, Rex made a life altering decision to follow Jesus Christ while attending a camp meeting in Caldwell, Idaho. The following year he recorded his first album, “At the Altar” together with his parents. Music would continue to play a pivotal role in his journey. He would go on to record and produce numerous albums and minister to many congregations in song. While attending his senior year of high school Rex met the Great Love of his life, LaWanda Mae, whom he described in his own words as “the sweetest, most wonderful, and prettiest girl in the world.” He spent the better part of the next 2 years trying to impress her. Eventually, while driving his new blue hardtop Chevy Impala, with the wind blowing through a thick head of black hair, he succeeded. They began dating and were married the following summer on June 8, 1967, in Duncan Oklahoma.
In their first years of marriage Rex attended Augustana Lutheran College and worked full time, often during the night, as a broadcaster for Moody, both paying for his school, and supporting his growing family. Their oldest son, Jonathan Rex, was born in 1969 in Rock Island, Illinois. After graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in 1970, he and LaWanda relocated to Chattanooga Tennessee where he continued working as a broadcaster, and a school teacher. They welcomed their second child, a daughter, Sherilyn LaRose that same year.
He and his young family frequently toured the Holiness camp meeting circuit. They were passionate for communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ and often shared both the singing and preaching responsibilities. They dedicated themselves to full time evangelism. Drawing on his background in radio broadcasting, Rex helped launch Dayspring Ministries (now Day Media) in 1977 to teach “God’s standard for holy living.” Originally conceived as a 30 minute radio variety show, it was aired on hundreds of stations and to thousands of people around the world. In 1980 he became father a 3rd and final time, to Mark “Brittian.”
During the days following his own father’s surprising death in 1983, Rex was filled with an impassioned urgency for the harvest and would spend the remainder of his life serving in ministry. For over 40 years he planted churches, pastored multi site congregations, worked with outreaches and missions, as well as leading various denominational efforts. Rex was a story teller, drawing on a lifetime of experiences from around the world. He used vivid first person accounts to captivate the imaginations of his audiences, and rivet them to the transformational message that he preached.
Rex continued his own education and earned a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministries from Trinity College and Theological Seminary in conflict management. His deepening emphasis became mentoring younger generations of pastors and ministers, equipping them as they told the Story of the good news in relevant ways. Rex worked with leaders from the US, Haiti, India, China, the Philippians and across the continent of Africa. He continued to preach into the final months of his life. His commitment to God’s Purpose remained undiminished to the end, and "lived a life of no regrets, no reserves, and retreats."
While Rex was beloved by so many, it was his immediate family who most often and most directly saw his generosity of heart. Rex fiercely cared for his children, their spouses, and grandchildren—proudly attending performances, games, graduations, and milestone moments. He could often be found in the stands, snacking on whatever LaWanda had packed for them, cheering loudly, and having close quarters conversations with whomever was sitting next to him. He modeled a practical kind of love, running to the grocery store countless times in one afternoon, delivering supplies, taking food to the sick, making surprise visits, and even baby sitting in a pinch. He challenged his family to strive for excellence, at the same time communicated how proud he was of them, and also supported them to cross the finish line. Even in his final hours, Rex continued to care take and dote on his family.
Rex leaves behind a legacy of Grace and Love. He is survived by his wife, LaWanda (Gordon) Bullock of Tualatin, OR, and his children, Jonathan (Tyrome) Bullock of Portland, OR, Sherilyn (Allan) Lombos of Tualatin, OR, and “Brittian” (Kristi) Bullock, Ridgefield, WA. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren; Paris, Gordon, Canon Rex, Ransom, Judah, Maxine, and Mercer Alfred. He is also mourned by his brother Knox, his sister Beth, and their families. He leaves behind close ties with nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and their children. He counted thousands as family and friends in Christ.
