LIBERAL - Rex Peterson, 83, died February 14, 2019 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.  He was born on July 9, 1935 in Beloit, the son of Edgar and Ritta J. (Addams) Peterson.

As a child, Rex moved with his family to Downs and Concordia, finally settling in Dodge City when he was in the third grade. He was very active in sports in junior high and high school, lettering in basketball, football, and baseball. He graduated from Dodge City High School in 1953.  After graduation, he attended Dodge City Junior College on a basketball scholarship. During the summers, he played in the Ban Johnson Baseball league. Following his graduation from juco, he continued his education at Kansas State Teacher's College (now Pittsburg State University), also on a basketball scholarship, where he was a member of the 1955-56 record-setting Gorillas basketball team. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business.   After college, Rex enlisted in the National Guard.  He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and served another six and a half years before being honorably discharged.

On March 26, 1959, Rex was united in marriage to Wanda Finklang in Dodge City.  After their marriage, they moved to Liberal, where Rex worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company and Northern Natural Gas before retiring from Enron.  Rex was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and the Elks Lodge in Liberal.

Rex was an avid sports enthusiast. He played in golf tournaments throughout southwest Kansas, bowling leagues, and town team softball.  Rex enjoyed yard work and gardening, raising vegetables from seed before planting them in his garden.

Rex was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Wanda of Liberal, and daughter, Kelle Lenart of Kansas City, Kansas.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, J. D. Peterson.

Graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Rex Petty presiding.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Sunday, February 24, 2019 from noon to 6:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pittsburg State University Basketball scholarship fund in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com .