Rex A. Whiting 1918 ~ 2006 Rex A. Whiting was born in his parents' home, Bert and Sadie Whiting, in Mapleton, Utah March 25, 1918. From a young age, Rex liked to work with his hands and was intrigued by anything mechanical. His first project was building a crystal radio. Rex had a sister, Ruth; two brothers, Quinn and Neil; and many cousins. He attended elementary school in Mapleton and high school in Springville. He graduated from BYU and went to dental school at USC. Rex met Florine Merrell at church and claimed it was love at first sight and immediately planned to marry her. He did April 1, 1942 in the Arizona Temple. As soon as Rex graduated from dental school, he received his commission as a Navy lieutenant. He served in World War II and was in the South Pacific when his daughter, Carol, was born. After the war, Rex, Florine and Carol moved to Heber, where Rex set up a dental practice that lasted for 53 years. He stayed in the Navy Reserve and retired as a Commander twenty-two years later. Rex became a pilot and helped build the Heber airport. He was active in church and community. He served in an LDS Bishopric and as a High Councilor. It was during his tenure as Heber City Councilman he fulfilled his dream of being involved in two engineering projects. Rex loved his garden. Funny thing is, he liked growing vegetables much more than eating vegetables. In later life he had time to pursue his passion for antique two stroke gasoline engines. He found and rebuilt hundreds. Rex was a good husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed so very much. He is survived by his wife, Florine; his son, Kirk; his daughters, Carol, Anne and Kay; plus 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 11 a.m. in the Heber LDS 6th Ward, 325 East 500 North, Heber City. Friends may call Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Olpin-Hoopes Funeral Home, 288 North Main Street, and Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services at the LDS Church. Interment will be in the Heber City Cemetery.
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