Rex Wathen

Rex Wathen, age 88, of Evansville, IN, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, IN.

Rex was born August 21, 1937, in Noel, MO, to Frank and Ruth (Crowder) Wathen. He graduated from Reitz High School in 1955.  

As a young boy, Rex began caddying at the Evansville Country Club and worked steadily into his mid 80s.  He served in the United States Army before working as a draftsman. Throughout his life, Rex also worked in banking and finance, ran a hardware store, and for several decades, sold automobiles at Expressway Dodge in Evansville. 

Rex was a true gentleman who will be remembered for his reliability and integrity.  As a family man of strong faith, he was very active at Grace Baptist Church where he served as deacon. Rex was devoted to and enjoyed studying God’s word.  In his early life, he shared his testimony and regularly ministered at the Indiana Job Corp and the Vanderburgh County jail system. 

Rex is survived by his children, Rian Wathen, Ranece Wathen, and Rhet Wathen (Tiffany); brother, Wayne Wathen; grandchildren, Madison Jones (Dean), Senior Airman Ian Wathen, and Brandon Paul; and great grandchildren, Calvin Dean Jones, and Nora Steele Jones.

Rex is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 64 years, Wanda “Ruth” (Rice) Wathen; and sisters, Norma Jean Niehaus and Marilyn Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church, 1200 North Garvin Street, Evansville, IN. Burial will be Private.

Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church.  

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Grace Baptist Church at 1200 North Garvin Street, Evansville, IN 47711.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Rex Wathen. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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