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Obituary

Rex Bevins

May 5, 1932 - April 7, 2023

Rex Bevins was born on his family’s farm near Cedar Rapids, Nebraska on May 5th, 1932. He was the fifth and youngest child of C. Franklin (Frank) and Margaret (Maggie) Lavina Bevins (Cox). He graduated from Cedar Rapids High School in 1950 and then attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, graduating in 1955.

While attending Wesleyan, Rex met Ardis (Ardie) Dappen and they were married on June 21st, 1953, at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln.

Rex worked as a “Student Pastor” at St. Paul Methodist Church in Otoe, NE, while attending Nebraska Wesleyan. He followed his calling into the ministry, attending Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, CA, graduating in 1959. While still in seminary, Rex served Hamilton Methodist Church in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco. Rex was then assigned to serve at Carlmont UMC in San Carlos, CA.

In 1969, Rex and Ardie chose to move the family back to Lincoln to serve at Warren UMC. From 1974-1980, he served as Executive Director of Ministries for the Nebraska Conference of the UMC. His last church appointment was at St. Paul UMC in Lincoln, where he served for 22 years, retiring on June 23, 2002.

Rex was very involved in the national and international church, serving on the General Board of Global Ministries, the General Board of Discipleship, the World Methodist Council, Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Judicial Council of the UMC. For all his professional life Rex was dedicated to the mission of the United Methodist Church. He had a passion for preaching and enjoyed his time in the pulpit.

In his free time Rex loved playing basketball and softball, playing well into his seventies. He was a sports enthusiast. Rex and Ardie also enjoyed vacationing and hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Estes Park was a favorite of theirs for family vacations.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ardie, brothers, Gerald and Robert, and sister, Arlene.

Surviving family members include Sister Dorothy (‘Dot’) Froelich. Murrells Inlet, SC.; sons, Michael (Sherry) Bevins, Louisville, NE; and Mark (Anita Calvert) Bevins, Lincoln, and daughter Deborah (Tom) Ehlers Cody, WY; grandchildren: Jamie (Hailey) Bevins, Camas, WA; Jed (Paige) Ehlers, Powell, WY; Katie (Justin) Akers, North Pole, AK; Anna (Dan) Taylor (Ehlers), Allyn, WA; Benjamin Bevins, Melissa Bevins, Lincoln, NE; great grandchildren – Jared and Connor Troutman, Gabriel, Alyssa and Jacob Westerberg, Leila Bevins, Hugh Ehlers, Adela Ehlers.

A Celebration of Life is to be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 14, 2023, at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M Street, Lincoln, NE. Private family burial prior.

Please send memorials to Saint Paul United Methodist Church.

Services

April14

Celebration of Life

CST

Saint Paul United Methodist Church

1144 M Street, Lincoln, NE

Share a Memory or Condolence

April 13, 2023

Rex was the pastor at Warren Methodist when I was the Scoutmaster, sponsored by the church. I have a great respect for him. Mike and Mark were both in the troop and I have good memories or our time together. Mike also drummed occasionally in our band. He was a great kid. I send my condolences to both and the rest of the family.

– Bob Furman
April 12, 2023

I have many memories of Rex and Ardie. Rex was my husband Larry’s uncle and also his namesake (Rex). We spent many Thanksgiving’s with theBevins family after attending a Husker game. Rex married Larry and I. Larry loved talking football with Rex. We considered Rex a special uncle. Sorry I can’t attend the Memorial because I am in DC with Kiley. Lindsay, Kiley, and I send our sympathy to your family as well as our love.

– Jan Frank
April 12, 2023

Rex confirmed me into the Methodist church. Officiated our marriage & baptized our triplets (his first triplet baptism!). Rex saw something in me & encouraged me to become active in church leadership. He will always hold a fond place in my heart

– Mary (Hall) & Rich Brittenham

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