Rex Eugene Freed

Rex Eugene Freed, age 60, went to Heaven on July 13, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction as a result of complications after emergency heart surgery.  Rex was born on September 21, 1954, in Elkhart, Indiana to Dean and Waneta Freed.  He was the youngest of 4 boys.

The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1970 where Rex graduated from Camelback High School in 1973.   While in school, Rex became passionate about making clay into beautiful pieces of art with his hands… and he continued practicing and teaching his artistry for most of his life. One of his peaceful fountains is still on display at the Chipeta Sun Lodge in Ridgway.

In 1985, Rex met and married Debbie (Padelford) and together they raised his 2 children (Courtney and Joshua) born to him and his late wife, Sienna (Patten), who at age 25, lost her battle with cancer in 1984.  Together, Rex and Debbie had a son (Ryan) in 1988.

In 1992, Rex moved his family to Ridgway, Colorado.  He bought a small business from his brother and became owner /operator of “The Flue Doctor Chimney Sweep.”  During those years, he was on the Ridgway Town Council and was a volunteer ambulance driver.

After 10 years, Rex decided to sell the business and after selling their home in Ridgway when the kids were grown and gone, he and Debbie moved to Montrose where Rex eventually began working for Charter Communications.  Throughout his life, he treated each customer like a friend and believed in always doing his very best, no matter what the task.

Rex was an avid Nascar fan and had a love for motorcycles as well.  Recently, he found a passion for restoring VW Buses and his first project “Lucille” became his hobby of choice!

Rex absolutely adored Colorado, he called it “God’s country” and he loved to be outdoors especially when he needed to quiet his thoughts and let go of the “small stuff.”  This was why fishing appealed to him so much!

He was a very unassuming man… humble, kind, loving and compassionate and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.  He was deeply introspective and had an abiding love for God, family, and country. His sense of humor could be dry and quirky all at the same time…it’s part of what made him so wonderfully unique.

Rex is survived by his wife of 30 years, Debbie;  Daughter-Courtney (& Scott) Daly of Peoria, Az;  Son- Joshua (& Christine) Freed of Montrose, CO;  Son-Ryan (& Alicia) Freed Of Gilbert, AZ.   Grandchildren- Hannah, Madalyn, Andersen, Mikayla, Scarlett and Hudson.   Parents- Dean and Waneta Freed of Montrose, CO.  Brothers-Stan (& Linda) Freed of Michigan City, IN; Neil (& Martha) Freed Tuscon, AZ; Dennis (& Robin) Freed of Montrose, CO.   Brothers-in-law-Tim (&  Jacqueline) Padelford of Lavernia, TX; Dan (& Claire) Padelford of Fountain Hills, AZ.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a celebration to honor Rex’s life on Saturday, August 1st, 2015 at Inspiration Point on Loghill in Ridgway at 10:00 a.m.  Rex was loved by so many and his presence on this earth will be missed immensely, but his Legacy lives on in our hearts.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rex’s name to the American Heart Association, in memory of Rex Freed, 1280 South Parker Rd., Denver, Co. 80231.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, is assisting the family.