Rexford E. “Rex” Whitney, 75 of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018. Funeral Services will be held 11:00am Friday, January 19, 2018 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Avenue. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 9:00am until service time at the funeral home.

Rex was born April 24, 1942 in Sioux City, Iowa to Yvonne Washburn and was later adopted by Everett and Pansy Whitney. He graduated in 1960 from Central High School. He Married Sherry Merryman on June 5, 1976 in Elk Point, SD. He served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964 on the USS Hornet CV-12. Rex worked for United Parcel Service for 10 years and later retired from MidAmerican Energy after 30 years of service in 2007.


In his younger years, Rex enjoyed competitive motorcycle hill climbing. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, enjoyed old cars and collecting stamps. He and Sherry enjoyed mixed league bowling and dancing. He loved decorating for Christmas and in 2005 won the Make-a-Wish Foundation's Clark Griswold Award. He was also a member of the American Legion for many years. Most importantly he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Sherry of Sioux City, son Ryan (Kristy) of Sioux City, daughter Kris (Jim) Hill of Omaha from a previous marriage, stepdaughters Tammy Blackburn (Dennis Livermore) of Sioux City, and Tina (Casey) Benton of Sioux City, a sister-in-law Eleanor Zimmerman, seven grandchildren, Colby Casper, Dylan Casper, Kaitlyn Hill, Collin Hill, RyAnna Whitney, Carlie Benton, Caden Benton, and several nieces and nephews.


Rex is preceded in death by his parents, one infant son Matthew, and a brother Romar Whitney.