Rex Phebus, age 92, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2013, after a brief illness. He was born on October 17, 1920, in Clovis to George and Vona Phebus. Rex had two brothers, Guy and Cecil and two sisters, Evelyn and Ethel who have predeceased him. He attended Clovis Schools, Clovis Grammar School and Clovis High School, graduating in 1938 and where he earned the coveted Sassano Blanket Baseball Award in his senior year. That same year, Rex joined the Clovis Rodeo Association following in his father George's footsteps. Rex served in the United States Army in World War II from 1942-45 at the China, Burma and India theaters. He returned to his beloved town of Clovis and opened a gas station at 7th and Clovis Avenue. At that time, he immediately showed his community spirit by employing many Clovis youths at that gas station. In March 1950, he married Eleanor Ann Wysong and raised three children, Tom, Jerry and Kelly. His accomplishments, contributions and honors are numerous; he was a member of the Fresno championship softball team of Dale Brothers, in 1952, he helped establish the Clovis Boys League, became the Director of the Clovis Memorial District and a director for the Clovis Rodeo Association in 1953-1954. He coordinated after-school programs for the City of Clovis and the Clovis Unified School District. He was instrumental in creating recreational activities and programs for the youth of Clovis. In recognition of his dedication to Clovis youth, he received a state resolution from Assemblyman Ernest Mobley in 1970. Clovis High School recognized his unselfish contributions of time and effort in promoting "Cougar Pride". He was always a champion of Clovis senior citizens, he supported the formation of the "Jolly Times" senior citizens group, the annual Clovis Thanksgiving Dinner and the dedication of the City's Roundup Transit Bus. Rex received the first "Clovis Citizen of the Year" award from the Clovis Independent in 1974 for his outstanding contribution to the Clovis Rodeo and to the youth of Clovis. He was a member of the Clovis Rotary Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Rex retired from the Clovis Memorial District in 1984 after 30 years of dedicated service. The building was renamed the Rex Phebus Veterans Memorial Building an outstanding honor for a humble man. He was very dedicated to the Clovis Rodeo association, by serving on the Board of Directors for over 50 years; serving as President from 1974-78; was Grand Marshal in 1994 and was honored by the PRCA for 50 years of service and volunteer work as a director of the Clovis Rodeo. He served on almost every committee and enjoyed every minute of it! His membership with the Clovis Rodeo Association, his 30 years as Director of the Clovis Memorial District, his service in World War II and his service to the youth and senior citizens of Clovis validates his dedicated leadership and commitment to his community and his nation. Rex's legacy will continue to display the finest qualities of Clovis. He loved helping people, he loved talking to people and always put others first before himself. Once he started something, he saw it through. When it came to the needs of the community and the Clovis Rodeo, he always went the "extra mile". That was the Phebus hallmark. Rex was very dedicated to Ellie, his beloved wife of 61 years, who passed away in June 2011 and to his son Jerry who passed way in August 2012. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his son Tom and his wife Marsha; his daughter Kelly; grandchildren, Greg and his wife Chelsea, and Megan and her husband Stevan; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Charlie, Brady, Lola, Noah and Mateo; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a mentor, a father figure and a friend to all who were blessed to have known him. He will be greatly missed! A Public Memorial Service will be held at the Rex Phebus Veterans Memorial Building, 808 4th Street, Clovis, Ca. on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society, 401 Pollasky Ave., Clovis, Ca. 93612.
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