V. Rex Waltman

Rex passed away on November 16th, 2021, at home with his wife and family members at his side. He was born on March 13, 1929, in Meridian Idaho to Vernon Emory and Sarah Lish Hoagland Waltman.

Rex is survived by his wife Margaret Mecham, previous wife, and good friend Sandra Stauffer, seven children: Julia (Craig) Whetman, Randy (Susan Stidham) Waltman, Rick (Lois Romney) Waltman, Kristine (Barclay) Bigelow, Scott Waltman, Dave (Diane Hall) Waltman, Susan Waltman. Also, 27 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife JoAnn Wilson Waltman, his parents, and his sister Eileen Haddock.

Rex was raised on a farm in Meridian Idaho where he learned the ethics of hard work and coined the phrase “clean the ditch”, which means regardless of the task you face, do it with your best effort! He instilled this philosophy in his children and grandchildren. He contracted polio at the age of 15 and fought off the effects with very painful, hard work on the farm and he eventually re-learned how to walk and live a very vigorous and healthy athletic life. He played football, baseball and basketball in high school and was an accomplished athlete throughout his life.

Rex served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Belgium France Mission where he learned a great appreciation and love for the arts, music, and all things beautiful. He was a faithful member of the Church where he served in various capacities, including the bishopric, high priest group leader, high counsel and teaching various classes. He also enjoyed his temple work. Rex and Margaret loved their calling at LDS Hospital.

After his mission Rex attended and graduated from Brigham Young University where he met JoAnn Wilson. They had 6 children together. JoAnn passed away in 1965, Rex then married Sandra Stauffer. They had one daughter, and they later divorced. Rex then married Margaret Mecham.
Rex was the consummate insurance salesman. He won many insurance awards, which included going to many conventions where he was able to take, along with his wife, a few children each time to various places around the world. Rex was a knowledgeable collector of art, gemstones and Persian rugs and he had significant expertise in these areas. He also had a great passion for cars; he loved Mercedes Benz and the sporty fast ones best. Rex loved buying cars, whether for himself or for his children.

Rex enjoyed the performing arts, attending the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera in Logan, Jazz Festival in Sun Valley Idaho, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Rex was a loyal Utah Jazz fan and loved cheering for the BYU Cougars. He loved playing sports and especially excelled in golf and squash. He was a state champion in squash and racquetball. Rex liked to golf at the Homestead with his kids and grandchildren.

Rex was committed to living life fully. It is safe to say, that those who knew Rex, loved, and admired him. He was generous and kindhearted, and he made you feel special. And safe. He was a sincere listener and he enjoyed facilitating others to be their best. He was a great mentor. One could trust Rex with any confidence.

We are grateful for the loving faithful care through the years that our dad received from his wife, Margaret who enabled him to live at home where he wanted to be.

His absence will always be felt by those who loved him...

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 19th, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Larkin Mortuary (260 East South Temple, SLC) and an hour prior to services at the Old Rock Church on Capitol Hill (413 N W Capitol St, Salt Lake City).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 20th, 2021, at 11 AM at the old Rock Church on Capitol Hill (413 N W Capitol St, Salt Lake City).

A recording of the service can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/YW-Yf1mW7jMZoxs-qS3GN2K3hR4wQURlUvLwfjt03KB9AwcwxM53PQayBrZX_r8nKwX5x1rbsY1E3c7C.muPt7z8n-yH5tjz7?autoplay=true&startTime=1637430041000