Rex C. McGugin

Rex C. McGugin was born on August 11, 1919 near Goltry, Oklahoma. He was the fifth child of Charles Calvin and Zora Eletha (Mason) McGugin. His father died when he was very young, leaving Zora and the children to work the family farm. Zora remarried in 1931, and Rex’s brother, Wayne Sawyer, was born in 1932.

After graduating from Goltry High School in 1937, Rex earned a football scholarship at Northwestern Oklahoma College in Alva, Oklahoma. But his college education was put on hold when his Army National Guard unit was called into active duty in September 1940. 

During his two tours of duty in World War II, Rex held every rank from Private to First Lieutenant. His service took him across the Pacific to China and India. 

After returning home, he married Margarett Emma Wright on February 3, 1945. They had three children: Rex C. McGugin II (Mike), Molly, and Terry. 

Rex worked as a teacher and football & basketball coach throughout Kansas. He taught in Minneola, Cullison, and Greensburg. He later worked as a school guidance counselor in Frankfort, Kansas before accepting the job of Counselor and Director of Financial Aid at Dodge City Community College in 1970.

Rex retired from Dodge City Community College in 1984. He enjoyed woodworking and building furniture and completed many projects for family and friends. His other hobby was volunteering –for his church, delivering Meals on Wheels and teaching 55 Alive (driving classes) for AARP. 

His wife, Margarett became ill and Rex cared for her until her death in 2003. Rex later married a neighbor & friend of the family, Frances Wiseman. They moved to Manor of the Plains a few years after their marriage. Frances passed away in 2013 and Rex continued to live in the Manor of the Plains. 

Survivors include: son, (Mike) Rex C. McGugin II of Topeka, daughter Molly McVicker and husband, Earl of Hutchinson and son, Terry McGugin & wife Deedee of Merritt Island, FL.; 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild. His brother Wayne Sawyer & wife Joan of Valley Center also survive him. 

He was preceded in death by: his parents, three brothers, a sister, his wife Margarett and his second wife, Frances Wiseman. 

Memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:30 AM Rev. Jerre Nolte presiding. Private family inurnment will be held at Karoma Cemetery in Galtry, Oklahoma at a later date. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Manor of The Plains or Hospice of The Prairie in care of the funeral home.