September 7, 1926 - March 27, 2016




REX ALMAN, JUNIOR

DOB 9/07/1926 DOD 3/27/2016

Rev. Rex Alman, Jr. entered God’s pearly gates on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016. How fitting for such a devoted man of God! His family knows that all of heaven rejoiced at his arrival at age 89 ½.

Rex was an only child, born on September 7, 1926 to Rex Alman, senior, and Marisu Coker Alman. He grew in grace and stature as a child of God, in large part due to the devoted loved of his grandmother, Alma Land Alman. Rex spent many happy hours at her country home in Gilbertown, AL after his parents divorced when he was 12 years old. That experience made him fiercely devoted to his own family as an adult.

In 1945, in their 12th grade sociology class, an earth shattering event changed Rex and his life forever. He met and fell deeply in love with Zexa Rogers. After a yearlong courtship, they married in 1946. Their special love story spanned seventy years of devotion and caring. Zexa, known as “Tommie” to her family, supported Rex in his unique and varied ventures before finding his true vocation. For example, when he decided to open a dry cleaners, Zexa taught herself to sew and do alterations. Their mutual respect and abiding love carried them through joys as well as cancer and other trials.

Rex took after his own father as a man of many gifts. When in a hotel in Laurel, MS, the Lord called him to the ordained ministry. He moved his family of 4 to Byram, MS, and enrolled in Millsaps University in 1957 to complete his college degree.

He ministered to the small Methodist church in Byram until he graduated. Then over the years, Rex preached at churches ranging in membership from 16 up to 100, serving up to 5 small churches at one time. Ministering to his “flock”, Rex also worked for the welfare department, the department of vocational rehabilitation and Weems Mental Health Center as a marriage and family counselor. His dedication to helping others in need endeared him to all whose lives intersected his.

A member of the Jesters, part of the Masonic Lodge, Rex enjoyed many fun times with friends at parties and galas. He and Zexa were faithful members of the Williams Sunday School class and Central United Methodist Church once he retired from the active ministry. They lived many years in the Bonita and Dalewood communities. Rex and Zexa maintained close relationships with high school friends and made many more through the years.

In 2009, Rex suffered a severe stroke and was in intensive care for 3 weeks. In a “near death experience”, Rex talked to our Lord. Rex recalled that the Lord said, “Rex, go back. It’s not your time yet.” Zexa took him home and extended his life with her fierce care and loving devotion. Her children believe that her strength and sheer will kept him alive until this past Easter when his spirit ascended to heaven.

Rex is survived by his wife of seventy years, Zexa Rogers Alman. He was the devoted, precious father of Amy Alman Lanteigne, New Orleans, LA; April Alman Langston, Comfort, Texas, and Rex Alman III, The Woodlands, TX, and daughter-in-law Belinda Herrington Alman. He felt blessed with three granddaughters and two grandsons, who in turn gave him ten great-grandchildren.

John 14: 1-3 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”

All who knew Rex Alman Jr know that he has moved from his earthly home to his heavenly dwelling place with our heavenly Father. God sends people into our lives to bless us and to strengthen us. Rex Alman Jr is that person. His family is grateful to know that God’s strength is not fleeting. We are thankful that God gave us this man as husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Services for Rex will be held at Central United Methodist Church in Meridian, MS on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 11 am with interment at Magnolia Cemetery to follow. Arrangements are being handled by Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, Meridian, MS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shiner’s Hospital or The American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.