Rex Ordell Barney passed away Tuesday, July 26th, after a series of strokes. Rex was the third generation carrying the Barney name from Walter Turner Barney who homesteaded Barney Lane in 1884. Rex was born in Solomon Arizona and other than church missions, he never moved more than a mile from the Barney Homestead. The viewing will be at the Caldwell Funeral Home Friday July 29 from 6 to 9:00 P.M. and at the Solomon LDS Relief Society Room at 9:00 A.M. Sat. July 30 with the Funeral Service at 10:00 A.M.
Rex was born March 29, 1929 to Lucy Jennings and Arthur Barney, the sixth of thirteen children. He is survived by his wife, Gale Hansen Barney. They are the parents of seven children. Rexann-deceased, was the wife of David Lindsay, Ordell died at the age of five. The surviving children are Ron Barney and his wife Donna Farnsworth live in Gilbert, Jerry Barney and his wife Linda Bryce live in Pima, Jen Barney Score and Ralph Score of Cochise, Jan Barney Venzor and Jim Venzor of Solomon, Marion Barney and Shirley Jones live in Mesa. Rex and Gale have 24 grandchildren and 26 Great-grandchildren.
Rex’s siblings: Doris and Manny Thatcher (deceased) lived in Safford. Norma and Vearl Sanders (deceased) lived in Fort Thomas. Newell Barney married to Katherine Mecham living in Queen Creek. Living in Pomerene where Rex and his father Arthur both farmed are Elaine married to Grant Owens, Gerald Barney married to Judy Goodman (deceased), Janet married to Bob Overson, Joyce married to Randall Welker, Leland Barney married to Phyllis Merrell and Eldon Barney (deceased), married to Shirley Edmonson. Roy Barney lives with his wife Edres Bryant in Pima and Nadine, the youngest, is married to Wayne Taylor in Rigby, Idaho. Delsa died as an infant.
Rex was active in both church and community. As a farmer he loved making things better, roads, fences, leveling fields, and trailers to haul cotton. He served as a Bishop, a High Counselor, a Scout leader, Sunday School President, Elders Quorum President, and Media Specialist for the LDS church. He served a Mission in Eastern Canada, Ireland with his wife, Gale. Civic positions included National FFA Leader, Draft Board, President of EAC Board, Graham County Board of Supervisors and board member of the South Eastern Arizona Foodbank. During his life he supervised the building of four buildings, remodeling and expanding the Solomon LDS Chapel, the EAC Fine Arts Center, supported the project to build the Mt. Graham Observatory, and located the property to build a chapel for Cork City, Ireland. Numerous welding projects at home and shop reflect his skills. He loved to help people.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Eastern Arizona Museum P.O. Box 274, Pima AZ 85543. Rex was a contributor to the farm displays. We will always remember how much he loved farming.
A viewing for Rex will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel and again on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Solomon Chapel with the services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.