Rex Richins

Services will be streamed lived 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 31 at www.walkersanderson.com
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Rex Glen Richins, treasured husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully in his home on July 21, 2020. He was born on May 26, 1936, in Pleasant Grove, Utah to Glen Richins and Lexie Vilda Colledge Richins. He was the oldest of seven children. Rex lived in Utah County all of his life, with the exception of 5 years in Mud Lake, Idaho. He spent long hours beside his father attending to farm duties and learning early the value of hard work. The family raised vegetables and had a huge orchard and raspberry patch. His first job was as a 9 and 10 year old in Idaho. A rancher by the name of Joe Hartwell paid him $1.00 a day to round up cows.
Rex loved animals especially horses and dogs. He raised and trained horses and would often train a horse for someone in order to buy Christmas gifts for his family. He enjoyed participating in equine events and was a member of the Orem and Mount Timp Riders riding clubs. He participated in 4-H and FFA for many years, raising and showing dairy cattle. He won the high point showmanship award at the Utah State Fair 3 years in a row. He also won the award for the top producing dairy herd in the state for herds 25 head and under. Rex was selected to represent Utah at a 4-H leadership conference in Washington, D.C. While in Washington he was able to visit the White House and meet President Eisenhower. He also spent time with the Utah State Congressmen at the Capital. Rex attended and graduated from Pleasant Grove High School. While there Rex was also chosen to attend Boys State. Rex was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history.
Rex met his future wife, Colleen Swenson, at a mutual activity. He asked her out on their first date after a dare from a friend. They were married in Lindon, Utah, on October 6, 1954 and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 21, 1959. Rex and Colleen were the parents of four daughters, Glenda Jo, Debra, Pamela, and Kaylene. Rex didn’t have any sons, but instead spent time riding horses, camping, and watching football with his girls.
Rex had many jobs and worked hard to provide for his family. He worked as a correctional officer at the Utah State Prison, retiring as a captain after 27 years. Rex then drove bus for Alpine School District for 23 years, a job that he enjoyed because of his association with the kids. He drove the route to Sundance for many years and developed many lasting friendships with the families in Provo Canyon.
Rex and Colleen loved to camp and travel. They enjoyed many trips to Flaming Gorge and Brownie Lake with friends and family. They traveled to Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and many other states in the US, but he always loved Yellowstone the most. Rex and Colleen also enjoyed attending and watching as their grandchildren participated in dance, wrestling, rodeos, football, baseball, and soccer.
Rex was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served in various callings. Rex’s final words of counsel were that nothing is more important than family.
Rex is survived by his wife, Colleen, daughters, Glenda (Hal) Probst, Debra (Stephen) Sanderson, Pamela Cates, and Kaylene (David) Mann, 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, who were the delight of Grandpa’s life. He is also survived by his brothers, Gary (Loretta) Richins, Kay Richins, Nyle Richins, Hal Richins, and his sister Jane (Monte) Farnsworth. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Brent, his granddaughter, Heather, his in-laws, Mary and Joseph Swenson and his beloved dog and companion, Buffy.
The family would like to thank A Plus Hospice for their service and compassion.

Funeral services will be held at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, Friday, 07/31/20 at 11:00 am. Friends and family may call at the funeral home prior to the services from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be offered to the family at www.walkersanderson.com