The strongest man we know, Rex Edward Browning transitioned into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Rex was born December 12, 1939, to Robert and Grace (Baer) Browning. He would tell you up until the end that he “never had a bad day in his life”.
He was an ornery kid who enjoyed life with his siblings and extended siblings and worked hard on the farm. He chose work and mischief over alcohol and smoking.
He met the love of his life, Jeanie (Tevis) Browning, on a blind date. They were married on, June 7, 1959. Rex and Jeanie had two children Russ Michael in 1960 and Suzanne Lynn in 1965.
Rex went to Barber College in Wichita, Kansas immediately following his high school graduation. He opened Rex’s Barbershop in North Ottawa in 1960. Later moving his business to 116 S. Main where Rex’s Barbershop housed Rex, Russ, and Suzanne for many years until Russ’ untimely death in 1999. In January 2000, Rex opened a larger shop at 118 S. Main and changed the name to Rex’s – Salon and Barbershop. Suzanne worked alongside him every day of her career until COVID shut down the world. His grandson Riley joined the family business and later granddaughter Allie before Rex fully retired at the age of 81. Rex created a legacy in the Ottawa community, cutting the hair of many generations of families.
Rex was humble and kind. He was proud of all he had, the life he lived and everyone in it. He was a businessman who owned and rented several properties in the Ottawa area, sold woodstoves to many, dabbled in real estate, and was a wheeler and dealer with anyone who had a want or a need – accepting any form of payment or collateral (including but not limited to guns and trucks).
His hard work from an early age allowed him and Jeanie to travel to the entire world, including most of the Oceans via cruise ship and every state in the U.S via their beloved motor homes. He never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere he went, many of those friends became friends for life. And he loved to tell stories of his adventures. He was also an avid gardener and would be telling everyone to get their potatoes and onions planted now.
Rex was blessed with five granddaughters (Shelby, Kayla, Kaci, Allie and Kristyn) and one grandson (Riley) who all always fought for the title of “favorite”. Together he and Jeanie were the most supportive grandparents. Never missing their grandkids’ activities, hosting the best holiday celebrations, taking the whole family on trips, being there for several weddings, and to love on ten great grandchildren.
Rex is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie, daughter and son-in-law Suzanne and Buck Watts, grandchildren Shelby Browning [Camden and Avery], Kayla (Watts) and Weston Reece [Elayna, Cannon and Ryder], Kaci (Watts) and Collin Brady [Brynli and Brixton], Allie Browning [Raylie], Kristyn Watts and Cassy, Riley and Hannah Browning [Rayden and Rhett]. A sister Carol and Richard Adler, Brother Rockie Browning and Lynn, extended sibling Dorothy Pritchard. Sister and brother in-laws, many nieces and nephews, friends and clients.
He is proceeded in death by his son Russ Browning; brother Raymond Browning; sister Donna Mae (Browning) Kahle; sister in-law Becky Browning; parents Robert and Grace; and in-laws Vern and Bonnie Tevis.
Memorial Services will be held 10:00am., Monday, March 24, 2025, at Ottawa University Fredrickson Chapel, 1001 S. Cedar Street, Ottawa, Kansas. Family will greet friends from 4-6:00pm, Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Centropolis, Kansas.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Ascend Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.
