4/9/1943 – 1/4/2024
Meade, KS
Merl Dean “Buck” Rexford (80) passed away in the early morning of January 4, 2024 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS, surrounded by his family.
He was born on April 9, 1943 to Alva and Dorothy (Wilson) Rexford in Dodge City, KS. His parents preceded him in death.
He attended Meade Schools until graduation in 1961. He then attended the Kansas University School of Engineering for 3 ½ years before he was drafted to Vietnam. He proudly served his country in the Army 4th Infantry Division Charlie Company unit where many lifelong friends were made. When he returned from the war he went to work for his father on the family farm and dedicated his life to the land. He then later took over the family farm and worked hard to build his own additions to the farm and added 2 ranches. He worked with John Deere and Pioneer Seed to develop innovative equipment, technology, and products.
He placed 1st in the State of Kansas National Corn Growers Association National Corn Yield Contest multiple years. He placed 3rd in the National Corn Growers Association 2009 National Corn Yield Contest. He also won the 2020 People’s Choice and Promoter’s Choice awards for his prize1956 Corvette he had restored.
On December 15, 1979 he married his current wife Marilyn (Brehm) in Dodge City, KS with their beloved grandmothers there to give them away. Together they enjoyed fast cars, traveling, attending concerts, and bowling. He loved his coffee groups and time with family and friends. He loved helping future farmers pursue their dreams in agriculture and often advocated for the needs of the Western Kansas farmers with his legislators.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn Rexford of Meade, KS; brother Gary Rexford and wife Lillian (Topeka, KS); two sister-in-laws’ Sue Rice and husband Floyd (Tulsa, OK), and Barbara Davison and husband Larry (Yukon, OK); three daughters Natalie Rexford (Waco, TX), Janel Rexford (Waco, TX), and Cami Torres and husband Armando (Lawrence, KS); a son Clint Rexford and wife Courtney (Portland, OR). He had 6 grandchildren who were his little sunshine’s; Mackynzie, Madisyn, Callan, Carden, Caylin, and Cody. He is survived by three nephews and four nieces.
Funeral services were held on Thursday January 11th at 10:30am at the Meade Methodist Church. A public viewing took place on Wednesday Jan 10th from 9am-7pm with family present from 5-7pm at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Additional viewing were also available before and after the service for those traveling at the church. Internment will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior, Gary Sinise Foundation, or the Villages Inc. of Topeka, KS, a community of group homes founded by Dr. Karl Menninger for children in need where his daughter worked for several years in care of the funeral home.
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