Rex Patrick Stevens, 1942-2022
Rex P. Stevens, Ph.D., of West Fork, AR, died Sunday, October 30, 2022. Dr. Stevens was born in McPherson, KS to the late Rex and Edna Stevens and raised in Wichita. He was an Air Force veteran who served in the Philippines in the early 1960’s. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Dr. Stevens moved back to Wichita, where he completed his B.A. and M.A. at Wichita State University and worked at Sperry Gyroscope, Beechcraft and Learjet. He and his family then moved to St. Louis, MO, where he completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Washington University and published his dissertation, “Kant on Moral Practice: A Study of Moral Success.” A long and fruitful academic career began in Macon, GA, where he taught philosophy at Mercer University and served as Provost; the establishment of the highly-regarded medical and engineering schools at Mercer during his time there was a source of pride. Dr. Stevens’ next position was Vice President of Academic Affairs at Western New England College in Springfield, MA, where he worked alongside his wife Dr. Jimmie Thomas, Associate Professor of English. He served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA, and finished his career as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Following retirement, he and Jimmie enjoyed many years living in the Ozarks in West Fork.
Rex was a creative hobbyist who flew twin-engine airplanes and created intricate woodwork among other interesting pastimes. He was an avid reader of all genres, music listener with an affinity for classical, and was always fully informed and ready with an opinion on current events. He was devoted to the dogs he and Jimmie welcomed to their homes: Willy, Abbey, Tallulah, and Brodie who survives him.
Dr. Stevens is survived by his wife, Dr. Jimmie Thomas of West Fork, AR; sons Eric Stevens and wife Susan of Raleigh, NC and David Stevens and wife Cara of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Melissa Vandiver Thomas Luxton; sisters Jane Stevens of Wichita, KS, and Christine Stinson of Bayse, VA; seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Phillip Stevens, his son-in-law Richard Luxton, his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Stinson, and his parents.
The family would like to thank the compassionate staff members at Shiloh Health and Rehab and Circle of Life Hospice.
Memorials may be made to the West Fork Public Library (westforkpubliclibrary.com) or Circle of Life Hospice (nwacircleoflife.com).
