Rex Joseph Workman

On February 3, 2023 Rex Joseph Workman passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 4, 1942 to Joseph and Della Workman and grew up in South Jordan, Utah. Rex was a dedicated son in immeasurable ways. He choose to build a home adjacent to his parents and would, until their passing, take care of them and whatever projects, services, and requests they needed.

Throughout his life Rex enjoyed riding horses, playing & watching sports, playing cards and games, camping, singing, music, watching countless westerns, and working on any type of project that needed to be done. A true cowboy, Rex was a bull rider in the PCRA where he competed for several years as well as participating in the re-enactment of the pony express ride.

At the young age of 17, Rex began working at Kennecott where he worked as a Millwright for over 42 years. During this time, he also ran his own side business, Rex’s Custom Concrete, where he took great pride in providing his customers high quality flat work.

In August 1964 he married Sandra Larson to whom he would spend the rest of his life. This union was solemnized in the Jordan River Temple in November 1982. The final year of his life confirmed how much he loved and adored Sandy as the hardest part of being in the rehab was being separated from her. Even though his sweetheart spent countless hours at his side (almost every day) it was never enough for him. He would often say “I just love to look at her”. For the 58+ years they were married his main concern and focus was that of Sandy’s happiness and well-being.

A father of four, Rex was a role model and hero to his children and provided for them in countless ways. Always putting his family first, he was a fierce example of hard work, selflessness, generosity, responsibility, dedication, loyalty, love and so much more. Dad didn’t need to teach with words because his example had more impact. His influence was felt by far more than just those in his family. So many people have expressed their gratitude for the value of hard work they learned from Rex and the positive impact it has had on their lives.

Rex was someone who had a surprising way of being a rough and tough cowboy exterior but at the same time the most welcoming and friendly person. One word that was not in his vocabulary was “I” as he never sought or wanted recognition for all his selfless and generous acts. Talking about himself, his accomplishments, good deeds, or even struggles was not something that he would do. These traits were evident as he fought to remain on earth for months for the sake of his adoring family despite his constant pain and discomfort. This was his last, and greatest, selfless act.

There is simply not enough space to write the accolades that describe Rex, but those who had the honor to know and love him recognize that this world has lost one of the greatest individuals to walk this earth. The tremendous hole in our lives and hearts that has been created by his passing will be forever felt and is only softened by the knowledge that we will be with him again.

Rex is survived by his dedicated wife Sandra, four children Scott (Diane) Workman, Chad (Brandon) Workman, Brenda (Daren) Bingham and Angie (Andy) Wayman; eight grandchildren Jossie (Joey), Graysen, Jenika, Zackary, Kayden, Dylynn, Calley and Beckett; an “adopted” son Jerry (Michelle) Griffis, brother Lee Workman, sisters Shauna (Richard) Kidman and Karen (Jim) Stewart and many nieces, nephews and friends. We are comforted by the knowledge that Dad was embraced in heaven by his parents, in-laws and his “adopted” son Matthew Holt.

As a family we would like to give a heartfelt thank you to those that helped care for Rex in his final year, especially those at Sandy Rehab Center and Liberty Dialysis. Without the kindness and understanding of the staff at these facilities our father would have struggled even more as his body and mind fought to continue even though it was worn out from a life of long hard work.

A viewing / celebration of life will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the LDS Church house (1540 West 10400 South). A private family service will be held at a separate time. Interment at South Jordan City Cemetery.