Rex Jarrett

[Joe Starr]

Aug. 15, 1937 — June 12, 2008
Rex G. Jarrett of Longmont, Colorado, died Thursday, June 12, 2008, at Longmont United Hospital.

Rex was born just 70 years ago in the town of Anderson, Indiana, on August 15, 1937. He graduated from Frankton High School in 1955.

It was only 25 years ago that Rex met the love of his life, his beloved wife, Claire Boston. Together they built a wonderful life and made countless friends in their 21 years in Longmont. Everyone who met Rex and Claire automatically became their friends for life.

From earliest childhood Rex had an unrelenting desire to learn and he spent a lifetime pursuing his quest for knowledge, adventure and the development of lifelong friendships.

At the early age of 15, Rex worked as a line boy at the local airport washing planes in return for flying lessons. He earned his “wings” at the age of 16, was a certified flight instructor by 18, and a professional corporate pilot by age 21.

In his flying career, Rex flew more than 40 types of aircraft, ranging from props to jets and eventually retiring as a Captain from United Airlines in 1997 after 30 years of service. Of all the various planes Rex flew, the highlight of his flying life was piloting the famous WWII, P-51 fighter.

Rex was one of those people who never let the “grass grow under his feet”. He was a leader and had a reputation for being the guy who was precisely “on time”. His love of adventure led him to racing his 356 Porsche coupe with the Porsche Club of America, being a certified Scuba instructor, ocean sailing, hiking, and bowling, playing golf, building and flying remote control airplanes, and racing vintage race cars. Rex was a craftsman, a perfectionist, a teacher, listener and a helper.

To balance his life in the fast lane, Rex dedicated time to the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, serving on the board many years, including a few years as Vice President. He was active in the Colorado Scientific Society, his beloved “Yesteryear Farm Show”, the Colorado Vintage Oval Racers and his bluegrass band, the Bluegrass Cornpickers. Let’s not forget his roots: the beloved farm in Frankton, Indiana, where he would return each year and spend many long autumn days harvesting crops.

Preceding Rex in death were his parents, and a brother, Kenny Jarrett.

Rex is survived by a loving family including his wife, Claire; sister, Sharon Antrim and husband, Garland of Ellwood, Indiana; his daughter, Judy Trudell and her husband, Jim of Lighthouse Point, Florida; granddaughters, Amy McEldowney and Katie Edelheit; stepchildren, Cynthia Adolf, Joe and John Hensley; along with 10 great-grandchildren.

When we see those contrails high in the sky, we’ll always remember Rex.

A cremation has been entrusted to Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services, Longmont.

Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at the Howe Mortuary Chapel.

Contributions may be made to the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, 519 Main St., Longmont, CO 80501 or American Cancer Society, 6857 Paiute Ave., Niwot, CO 80503.

Please share thoughts, memories and condolences with the family at www.howemortuary.com.

Information from the Longmont Times Call

[Joe Starr]

Rex raced with the Rocky Mountain Legend Racing Association (RMLRA), the Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association (RMMRA) and the Colorado Vintage Oval Racers (CVOR).

RIP