Rex Allen Wilper

Rex Allen Wilper, age 66, passed away on December 13, 2023, at Research Medical Center with family at his side.

Rex was born on February 12, 1957, in Ottawa, Kansas to Charles and Rita Burroughs Wilper, the second of eight children.

He attended grade school in Harris, Kansas, and graduated from Garnett High School in 1975. Immediately following graduation, he went into the construction field. He finished his career retiring with Ron Weers Construction, after 36 years of service.

On May 20th, 1978, he married the love of his life Debbie (Powls) at Holy Angels Church in Garnett, Kansas, this union was blessed with two children.

Rex was a member of the Garnett Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, and a Master Instructor for Hunter Safety for several years. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sharing life lessons with the younger generation in his shop. One of his great passions was roasting hogs for celebrations. Many winter layoffs consisted of card games, stories and drinks. Popsicles could always be found in the shop freezer for all to enjoy. Rex had a soft spot for his two special dogs over the years, Tess and Honey. He took great pleasure in feeding out butcher meat and was proud of how customers praised his beef.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Rose Marie Wilper.

Rex is survived by his wife, Debbie Wilper of 45 years of the home; his children, Steve and wife Melanie Wilper of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Sarah and husband Andrew Burkhart of Garnett, Kansas; grandchildren, Zachary and Shelby Wilper, Charlie Covert, Istonia Luttrell, Damion Hulcy and Hunter Hulcy; great granddaughter, Oakley; siblings, Bill and Dianne Wilper, Tony and Angie Wilper, Lee and Monica Wilper, MaryAnn and Tim Morgan, Julie and Marty Holloran, Paul Wilper; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends that have become family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, December 18, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Emerald, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett, Kansas. A rosary will be held at 5:00PM on Sunday afternoon, followed by visitation until 7:00PM at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Rex Wilper Memorial Fund and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com