Rex Johnson
May 20, 1929 — August 30, 2015
Rex Lee Johnson, age 86, of Boulder City, passed away on August 30, 2015 at the Nevada State Veterans Home following a courageous battle with lung diseases.
He was born May 20, 1929 in Los Angeles, California and was the loving son of Harold and Sigrid Johnson. After graduating from Marshall High in Los Angeles he attended Los Angeles City College and earned an A.A. degree. Having excelled in gymnastics he joined the Clyde Beatty Cole Brothers Circus and performed as an acrobat traveling throughout the country. Rex joined the U.S. Naval Reserve during high school and later served in the Navy during the Korean War.
On December 19, 1953 he married the love of his life, Elsie Simon, and Rex was a dedicated and loving husband to her ever since. His career was as a Sheet Metal Worker specializing in detailing. He was the head of the detailing department for Southland Industries before his retirement in 1989 when he and Elsie moved to Boulder City. In retirement they enjoyed traveling in their RV, especially along the Oregon coast, as well as playing cards, taking long walks, and simply enjoying each other's company.
Rex made it his life's work to take care of his family, keeping them secure and happy. He led the family in outdoor activities such as sailing, motorcycle riding, water skiing and camping. From a young age he enjoyed playing golf, which he continued into his later years. He delighted in having a nice car that he kept meticulously clean; he loved to read, to watch a Dodgers game with Vin Scully announcing, to build things in his woodworking shop, and to have a good lobster dinner. He was known by all as a truly good and nice man, with a fantastic sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Elsie; son R.J. Johnson and his wife Terri; daughter Tracey Glenn and her husband Ken; and grandchildren Colin and Kathy Lee Glenn. The family will be holding private services at the Veterans cemetery in Boulder City. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to Nevada State Veterans Home and Nathan Adelson Hospice.