Rex Luxton, 92, of Elk Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on October 1, 2023, after a brief battle with Lymphoma.

Rex was born to Tom and Letta Luxton in Linton, IN. After graduating from high school in 1949, he enlisted in the U.S Air Force where he worked as a meteorologist on the flight line, helping aircraft safely takeoff and land.

After honorably serving his country for 4 years, Rex went on to study Math and Science at Indiana University. Upon graduation, he landed his first job as a Chemistry teacher at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, MI. In addition to his dedication as an educator, Rex positively influenced many young lives coaching football and hockey for decades at Lakeview. His hockey teams won multiple championships including an unprecedented 31-0 undefeated season earning him the honor of the first inductee in the Michigan Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame.

Rex retired from Lakeview High School after 36 successful years, but did not slow down. Upon retirement he built a home in Elk Rapids, and took on three jobs to stay busy. He drove a bus at Shanty Creek Resort, coached the Bay Reps hockey team and became a DJ on WMNU where he had his own jazz radio show. He loved sailing and worked as part of the crew on The Madeline sailing ship making multiple voyages across 4 of the 5 Great Lakes. He travelled across the US and Canada visiting every state except Hawaii and every province except Nunavut. He went to Europe four times touring 11 countries, and travelled north of the Arctic Circle twice; once from Canada and once from Norway.

However, beyond all these expeditions and adventures, Rex's family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was the epitome of a great man whose wisdom and guidance were the foundation of his family. He was strong, kind, loving, supportive, and worked tirelessly to ensure that his family had everything they needed. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. Not a man of many words, he displayed through his actions the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right.

Rex was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Letta Luxton, and sister Neta (Luxton) Price. However, his legacy continues as he is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Michael (Kim) Luxton, Jane (Pug) Sliger, Lisa Luxton, and Karri (Chris) Alleva, stepchildren, Kimberly (Marc) Gleichert, Elizabeth (Hugh Huntley) Stern, and Deborah (Rich) Kiral, his sister Marsha (David) Flater, sister-in-law Eleanor Smith, 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed, but his love and guidance will remain etched in our hearts forever.

The funeral service will be held at Church in the Hills in Bellaire, MI on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to your favorite charity.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com