Lt. Col. Rex O’Connor

Rexford Theodore O'Connor, age 94, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his children Kathleen O'Connor, Kevin O'Connor, Michael O'Connor and Mary Rice. Rex has many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan of 69 years, parents, Eunice and James O'Connor; sons, William O'Connor, Thomas O'Connor and Timothy O'Connor; sibling Patricia Staley.

Rex grew up in Adrian Michigan. Other than his family, Rex's life was focused on aviation and flying. He soloed at age 13, and spent his Air Force Career being a fighter jet pilot and training other pilots. He had a bail out when his jet engine exploded on him during flight, got shot down in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He received numerous medals and was a true "American Hero." He started a business at age 18 Pride Cleaners and had to sell it a year later when he was drafted into the Air Force. After his Air Force Career, he was an Airshow Pilot and started Hobby Center in San Antonio in 1972 for 34 years, selling Radio Controlled Airplanes. He started his retirement in 2008. He had a great life, always a very happy & thoughtful person and did the best he could with what he had. He went to Adrian High School and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Business. He was very happily married to Joan, a RN Nurse and outstanding mother. He was a dedicated father and grandfather to their 7 children and 26 grandchildren.

Rex graced all of us with his love and devotion to his family and friends. Rex was a devoted Catholic and will be sorely missed by everyone he came in touch with during his 94 years with us. He truly was a remarkable and loving man!