Rex Whitlow: He Flew Out of Our Lives
This section includes both obituaries and memories. Honoring our loved ones who have died does not end immediately after their passing. We recognize that… so we’re extending our obituary section to include individuals who may have left a long time ago. If you want to remember someone who is gone, either recently or longer ago, please send a photo and a few sentences to [email protected]. Tell us why you would like to honor the person–is it their birthday, the date of their passing or some other date of significance to you? Pet remembrances are also welcome.
REX ALAN WHITLOW was born in Scotia, CA on Sept. 27, 1955 to Oral M. Whitlow, Jr., and Mary Louis (Wilson) Whitlow.
Rex flew out of our lives on May 4, 2017 when he crashed his beloved ultra-light aircraft (named the “Mean Green”) into the Eel River near his home in McCann, CA. He was found May 14, 2017 after family, friends, the Sheriff’s Dept., Search & Rescue plus many others spent days looking for him.
He enjoyed many things:ocean diving, water dowsing while wearing his cowboy gear, riding his Harley to places others wouldn’t go, raising cattle, was a tree faller, horizontal well driller, a super husband, Dad & Grandfather.
He was married to and survived by his high school sweetheart of 43 years, Tracy Marie (Poole) Whitlow. Other survivers: Daughters: Trisha & Tami Whitlow. Grandchildren: JonJon & Ray Gotcher, Lillian & Payton Sweaney, Tuck Evans. Father: Oral M. Whitlow, Jr., Mother-in-law: Vera Poole Braud. Brother Randy (Liz) Whitlow. Nephews: Levi & Lonny (Hannah) Whitlow. Grandnieces: Tegan & Gemma Whitlow. Brother-in-law: Tim (Kathy) Poole. Nephew: Kaman (Marlene) Poole.
We would like to thank everyone who did so much during the hoping, praying, and searching days. Our appreciation and love goes to all of you. We will be having a celebration of Rex’s life Saturday June 17, 2017 on the river bar in McCann from 2 PM to whenever. This is an open invitation to all, so bring your favorite dish to share and stories to tell, plus lawn chairs and blankets to keep warm. More info: 707-943-3501
Earlier Chapters:
- UltraLight Plane Crashes in Eel Near McCann; Rescuers Search for Local Pilot
- Searchers for Missing Pilot Vow to Work Until Dark Though Heat and Wind Are Taking Their Toll
- Rescue Team Member Lost Wallet Searching for Downed Pilot
- Search Teams Continue Looking for Missing Pilot
- Search for Missing Pilot Postponed
- Cadaver Dogs and Searchers Still Haven’t Located Missing Southern Humboldt Pilot
- Missing Pilot’s Body Found
- Sheriff’s Office Releases More on the Finding of the Missing Southern Humboldt Man’s Body
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May Rex rest in peace.
So very sad but what a great life! Wild and free in the mountains of Humboldt, one of the most beautiful places on the planet. My condolences to the family. Lynn
RIP Rex….My condolences to the family.
43 years, that’s impressive! I’m sorry his wife didn’t have more time with him but at least she has 43 years of memories with the man she loved! May he R.I.P.
My condolences to the family. He seems like an amazing person/spirit. God bless
“Horizontal well driller”, f@ck yeah!
RIP cousin. I wish the best for your family.
Thank you for sharing paradise and taking us into your wonderful family, RIP dear soul.
R.I.P. REX. MY deepest sympathy for your family.
R.I.P. REX. MY deepest sympathy for your family.
DAM IT 🌹🌹🌹I WANTED TO SEE HIM AT NEXT CLASS REUNION 🎵🎵🍀🍀,44TH YEAR SINCE 🏁MISS YAH BUDDY 🍀🍀🍀🌹
Fuck that peace of shit he was a dangerous person probably the most dangerous person iv ever met.he was my uncle and I wish he wasn’t he almost killed me with a steal pipe he said straight to my face a 16 year old isn’t to young to die.and he also said they would take me out feet first.his Exact words.