Rex Arthur McCubbin

Rex Arthur McCubbin, 79, of Kilgore, passed away on August 16th after a life lived fully. Above all, Rex’s life was defined by his deep love for his family.

 Rex was born on January 5, 1945, in Pittsburg, Texas. He was raised in Sabine by his parents, Jack and Ileen McCubbin. He attended Kemper Military Academy and St. Mary’s University before joining the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1969 and set off to see the world.

 His travels took him across Europe and to the Middle East, where he spent five years in Istanbul, Turkey. There, he managed a casino frequented by celebrities and mobsters—many of whom he befriended (with pictures to prove it). Rex was a man of mystery whose stories were legendary.

 He eventually returned to Texas to run the family business, McCubbin Oil and Circle R Electric. Rex enjoyed his work and looked forward to it each day, attending auctions across the U.S. He was the go-to guy for items no one else could find. Everyone knew Rex could track it down.

 In 1978, Rex married the love of his life, Debbie. Together, they raised three beautiful children, whom he dedicated his life to serving and adoring. He also begrudgingly raised many household pets at the insistence of his wife and children—pets who would ironically come to love him most, and vice versa. 

Rex loved to slow-dance with Debbie and was known to pull her in close anytime a good song came on the radio - usually in the kitchen, making it their dance floor. His easy-going demeanor and great sense of humor defined the man we all knew and loved. He took life in stride, even through his long battle with cancer, making us laugh until the very end.

Rex was predeceased by his parents, Ileen and Jack McCubbin, and his brothers, Jackie and Martin.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; sister, Elizabeth Stanley (Craig); son, John Hargis (Teri); daughters, Rexanna McCubbin (Taylor) and Alexis McCubbin (Stijn); and three grandchildren, Alec Hargis, Scott Hargis, and Xander Cools. He is also survived by his beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law: Marlene Hlavsa (Barry), Dan O’Connor, Darrell O’Connor (Cindy), Shawn O’Connor (Brandy), Monica O’Connor and Connie O'Connor; nieces and nephews, Junior Hlavsa, Darren Hlavsa, Brock Hlavsa, Candace O'Connor, Charles O’Connor (Amanda), Courtney Pickle (Jacob), and Caitlyn Tondre (Stanton); along with many dear friends.

 A special thank you to his Rader Funeral Home family for taking such good care of him in life and in death.

 Visitation will be held on Monday, August 19th, from 5-7 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

 St. Jude’s Hospital -stjude.org

 Rescue Row -rescuerowinc.org