Rexford Joseph Johnson, husband of Helen Elaine Thomas Johnson, passed peacefully into eternity from his home in Winchester, Kentucky, on October 13, 2025.

Rex was born on August 25, 1938, in Clearfield, KY, the third of ten children of Joe D. Johnson and Linda Johnson Lowe. He is survived by his only and beloved sister, Carolyn Brown (Paul Brown) of Morehead, KY, and sisters-in-law Janine Lindell Johnson, Gloria Jean Johnson, Barbara Ann Johnson, Coleen Joy Johnson, Leeanna Opal Davis, Gloria June (Joy) Thomas, and Pamelia Diane Thomas, all of Morehead, KY.  He was preceded in death by his eight brothers: Kenneth Clay Johnson, Glendon Ray Johnson, Ronald Lee Johnson, Douglas Dean Johnson, Raymond L. Johnson. Gary Ivo Johnson, Ernie Lee Johnson, Michael Anthony Johnson as well as his brothers-in-law Andrew Jackson Martin, Sr., Charles Richard Davis, Arthur Martin, Silas Glen Moore Thomas, Jr., and James Everet Thomas.

Rex wed his loving wife, Helen, on July 1, 1961. They were blessed with two daughters: Saundra Lynn Johnson of Winchester, KY, and Victoria Dawna Lydon (James Peter Lydon) of Lexington, KY. Rex was the proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Elaine Marie Granados (Edwin Granados, Jr.), William Joseph Walker (Breanna Kristine Walker), Geddy Lee Walker (Christen Michelle Walker), Matthew Alexander Walker (Anika Swinford), and David Rexford Johnson, as well as five great-grandchildren: Ella Cristina Granados, Edwin Romeo Granados III, Demelza Rose Walker, Thane Andrew Walker, and Locke Avery Walker. Rex is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Rex grew up in Rowan County, Kentucky, and as a young man proudly served his nation in the United States Army while stationed in Korea. He later invested the majority of his vocational years as a life insurance salesman and for 48 years held management positions, including Senior Vice President. Rex was a life member and served as the Post Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Winchester, KY, Post 2728. He was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1974 by Governor Wendell H. Ford for his significant contributions to his community. Rex was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge as well as the American Legion, both in Morehead, KY.

Rex was musically gifted and played the guitar and the harmonica. He loved being outdoors, hunting, and trap shooting, and was a skilled carpenter. He also enjoyed shooting pool, playing cards, and spending time with his family.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Veterans Hospital in Lexington, KY, for their continued care and dedication to serving veterans; to the American Legion of Morehead, KY; the Masonic Lodge of Morehead, KY, and the Patriot Guard Riders of northeast Kentucky.

Visitation services will be held Thursday, October 16, from 5–8 p.m. Masonic services will be conducted at 7 p.m.  by Morehead Masonic Lodge #654. The funeral, officiated by Pastor Larry Robinson of Spring Street Baptist Church, Mt. Sterling, KY, will be held on Friday, October 17, at 11 a.m. at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead, KY. Full military honors will be presented by Morehead American Legion Post 126.  Burial will be at Ditney Ridge Cemetery in Rowan County, Kentucky.

Pallbearers will be his five grandsons, William Walker, Geddy Walker, Matthew Walker, Edwin Granados, David Johnson, and son-in-law James Lydon. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Brown, Andy Martin, Nathan May, Justin Perkins, Ray Stafford, and Shane Wall.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in memory of Rexford Johnson to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, or the Masonic Lodge.

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