Rex Lee Holden

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” Rex Holden died Thursday, July 5, 2012 in the home he built surrounded by family. He was born on January 13, 1944, the third child of Josephine and Earl Holden. An energetic and mischievous child, he grew up in Dubois, Idaho and attended Clark County schools, graduating in 1962. Always a hard worker, he got his social security card and started working at age 12. He participated in all sports during his school career, culminating in going to state for basketball. As a young man he loved fast, noisy cars. All of his life he enjoyed spending time in the outdoors; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and especially horn hunting. As a devoted father and later grandfather he attended many scouting events, football and basketball games, wrestling matches and track meets. If there was a school or scouting project he was skilled, meticulous, and willing to help. From a bare, empty lot he created and carefully maintained a lovely tree-filled yard. He served 12 years on the Dubois City Council. Always pragmatic and budget conscious, he devised a way to recycle asphalt millings and paved the city streets in Dubois. He retired after 33 years with the Idaho Transportation Department as maintenance lead worker in June 2001. There still is not anyone who can fearlessly plow snow the way he could. He married Mary Bowen in Dubois, Idaho and they had 3 children; Treva May (Darrin) of Spencer, Mike Holden (Laurie) of Idaho Falls, and Lisa Jackson (DJ) of Seattle. He married Maureen Leach in Las Vegas, Nevada and they had twin daughters Christie Stevens (Jimmy) of Idaho Falls and Corrie Holden (Efren) of Idaho Falls. He and Terri Ireland have a son, Ryan Holden of Idaho Falls. He last married Teresa Dow Vogl on September 21, 2007 in Dubois, Idaho. He is survived by his wife, 3 brothers; Jerry (Sharon) of Mackay, Idaho , Kent (Eileen) of Salmon, Idaho , and Lyle of Spencer, Idaho and 2 sisters; Earlene Crawford (Jim) of Soda Springs, Idaho and Jeanette Holden (Lora) of Idaho Falls, 6 children, 4 step-children, 19 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Betty Zufelt (Don) and step-daughter Rachel Dow. Rex was a simple and good man who deeply loved his family and will be greatly missed. Donations in memory of Rex Holden can be made to the City of Dubois Chamber of Commerce Operation Facelift. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 9, 2012, at the Spencer Cemetery with Pastor Warren Cuppy officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby.