Michael Rex

On Thursday, October 23rd, Michael Lynn Rex, 65, of Milan, Missouri, passed away peacefully at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Michael was born on November 20, 1959, in Cameron, Missouri, the eldest son of Maurice Brown Rex and Jacqueline Jean (Powell) Rex. He graduated from Lathrop High School in 1978 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, Missouri.

On July 24, 1982, Michael married Sara Ruth Shrewsbury. Together, they had two sons: Benjamin Joseph Rex and Jacob Powell Rex.

Throughout his life, Michael held various jobs, but his true passion was livestock production. In 1995, he purchased a farm in Milan, Missouri, where he operated a cow/calf business until 2024. He had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter, especially of big game. His pursuits took him across the country—from Whitetail Deer in Missouri and Mule Deer in Kansas to Elk and Bighorn Sheep in Colorado.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Jacqueline "Jackie" Rex; his maternal grandparents, Benjamin Franklin "Jack" Powell and Helen Maxine (Bryant) Powell; his paternal grandparents, Joseph Hugh Rex and Mildred Alvina (Brown) Rex; and his son, Benjamin Joseph Rex.

He is survived by his son, Jacob Rex (Megan) of Apex, North Carolina; granddaughters, Kinley Rex and Ava Rex of Apex, North Carolina; brother, Leslie Rex (Dixie) of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; niece, Megan Rex of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; and former wife, Sara Rex of Trenton, Missouri.

Michael lived life to the fullest, pursuing his dreams with passion and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in care of the funeral home

A joint memorial service for Michael and his son, Ben will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, November 26th, 2025, at Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop. The family will receive friends one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow at Lathrop Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Rex, please visit our floral store.