Rex Chester Wright passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 15,2026. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Rex was born to LaWana Johnson and Chester Howard Wright on September 22, 1943 in Provo, Utah.
His early years were spent hunting in the mountains and fishing on the Provo River with his dad. These traditions were continued with his sons, daughters, and grandchildren.
Rex always had a ball in his hands, playing baseball, basketball and football from a young age. As a deacon, he was asked by his Church leaders to speak at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City after his team won the Little League Baseball Championship in Provo. He was scared to death, but he did it and was glad when it was over!
Rex and his best friends Obb and Duff, were high-achieving athletes at Provo High and well-respected. They were recruited by their principal to regulate the lunch. People were cutting in line and fighting all the time, and the principal knew the students wouldn’t mess with them!
Rex loved playing college baseball and football at Brigham Young University, especially under the mentorship of Glenn Tuckett, the baseball coach. The football coach wanted Rex to focus entirely on football so he decided to leave BYU and move to the College of Southern Utah, now known as SUU. There, playing both baseball and football, Rex held the highest number of RBIs and home runs as he continued to complete his Bachelors of Science degree in education. Rex was later recognized in the Athletic Hall of Fame at CSU. He was also drafted by the Chicago White Sox, but he chose to continue his education and remain close to his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jameson, whom he lovingly called Mare.
Rex and Marilyn were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 27, 1964 and began a wonderful life. Together they built a family of five children, who were the center of their lives.
Rex’s love of athletics naturally led him to coaching. While he coached wrestling, golf, and baseball, he was best known for the many years he spent coaching high school football. His coaching career started at Cedar City High School, then to Murray, Brighton, Alta and finally Hillcrest, where he also served as a drivers ed Instructor. He often included a donut stop with his driving students at the Lehi Bakery on Main Street. While he was coaching and teaching, Rex earned a Masters Degree in Education from Brigham Young University.
Summer vacations for Rex and his family meant camping at Yellowstone National Park. Each summer they packed up their camper and headed to the park, a tradition their children loved. His kids’ favorite thing was to go out on the boat with their family friends- the Vreekens, Sundbergs, Blackhams and many others.
In 1995 Rex co-founded Wright Homes with his son, Derek, and was later joined by TJ and David. Rex’s work ethic continues to provide a lasting legacy for the company today. He was also so happy to retire and couldn’t wait to change his voicemail to let everyone know that he was on the golf course.
Rex was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spent much of his time serving in the Church’s youth programs. One of his favorite callings was serving as Scoutmaster, which he did for several years. He loved camping with the young men. There were some colorful and interesting experiences along the way, and he grew close to his Scouts during those years.
Rex and Marilyn fulfilled a service mission as tour guides at the Conference Center for three and a half years. They loved meeting people from all over the world. Sharing a special message helped them both feel the spirit as they showcased that beautiful building.
Rex & Marilyn were also avid BYU fans who kept football season tickets for many years. They would go with their kids, good friends, or just themselves…it didn’t matter, as long as they were in the stadium! In their later years they loved to travel to away games to support their Cougars.
Although he could be intimidating, Rex was a teddy bear at heart. He could not make it through five minutes of a Hallmark movie without choking up. Rex was the first to cry every Christmas morning as Marilyn opened her gifts.
The Wright family would like to thank Sara and her team with Hospice for Utah, as well as the Bellaview Memory Care staff that were so kind, loving, and caring for Rex.
Rex is survived by his wife, Marilyn Jameson Wright, and his children: Derek Rex Wright (Jill), Nicole Korpi (Ryan), Kris Ann Grant (Sky), Travis Jameson Wright (Jenalyn), and Kelli Brooks (Micah). He is also survived by twenty grandchildren and their spouses, and three great grandchildren as well as his sister Debbie Kokkola and her husband, Mike.
Rex was preceded in death by his youngest son, David R. Wright; his parents, LaWana and Chester; and his brothers Boyd and Cory.
Heaven got a little more lively, as Rex was ushered back by his son David and his father, Chester, whom he hadn’t seen since his senior year in high school. What a joyous reunion that was sure to be!
There will be an evening viewing October 26, 2026, from 6-8p.m., at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah 84092.
Funeral services for Rex will be held October 27, 2026, at 11a.m., located at 650 E 3200 N, Lehi, Utah 84043. There will be a viewing prior at 10a.m.
Rex will be laid to rest at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, Utah 84092.