Rex Eugene Bartel Obituary (1929 - 2021)

1st Lt Rex Eugene Bartel, United States Air Force (USAF), went wheels up January 28, 2021, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rex was born to Hank and Rene Bartel on 'Bartel's Hill' near Balko, OK, on January 23, 1929, (the fourth of five boys) at the beginning of the Great Depression. As dry-dirt farmers during the Dustbowl, the Bartels knew struggle, hardship, hunger, and challenges that built and developed character, integrity, and a fighting spirit. It's well known that Rex had quite a temper when he was young; which prompted his older brothers to pick on him to the point Rex threw his pocket knife at a fleeing brother that embedded in his back leg. Rex attended Bethany School, Bethany, OK, and graduated in 1947 as "The Boy Most Likely to Succeed" and Captain of the undefeated baseball team. Dad always joked about being the only boy among the seven graduates of '47. Rex attended Panhandle A&M College (now Oklahoma Panhandle State University), Goodwell, OK, from 1947-1951 and graduated with a degree in Mathematics. During his college years, he met Icel May French (17 y.o.) in 1949. Dad was singing at a college choir concert that Icel and friends attended. Mom told her friends "that's the man I'm going to marry.'' She did just that on September 23, 1951, when they eloped to Clayton, New Mexico, with big brother and Best Man Dean Bartel in-tow. They woke the town's Justice of the Peace at 2 am to recite their vows and then drove back to The Hill immediately after ... what a honeymoon? Duty called, and Rex joined the USAF in 1951. Rex finished Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, and then assigned to the Amarillo Air Force Base near Amarillo, TX for pilot training. After pilot training, Rex deployed to Kimpo Air Force Base in South Korea from 1953 to 1954, while mom stayed home in Perryton where Derran was born (1954). Rex was a pilot of a RB-26 Invader/ bomber and flew night reconnaissance missions over the 38th Paralleled into North Korea with the 12th TAC squadron called "The Blackbirds." The Blackbirds motto is "Alone, Unarmed, and Unafraid" and that pretty much describes our father who remained active in 12th TAC reunions. When returning stateside, dad and mom moved to Shaw Air Force Base, near Sumter, South Carolina, where Lori was born (1955). Lex was born in Paul's Valley, OK (1958), and Dane was born in Houston, TX (1959), who all survive him, along with their families. While Rex was still in the Air Force, he decided to return to university and study Engineering. Dad told the story of flying (in uniform) to Norman, OK, to interview at The University of Oklahoma. However, the OU faculty and staff were "not very welcoming to Servicemen." Undeterred, dad got in his USAF plane and flew to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, where he was welcomed as a hero, interviewed, and accepted into their Engineering Department. He and mom moved to Stillwater where he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree in May 1958. Loaded with his military service, family, and two Bachelor's degrees, Rex went to work for Hughes Tool Company as a Field Engineer and learned the oil and gas drilling industry. He loved working in the oil field, but it required a lot of time on the road. Several years later, dad join Unit Drilling Company, Tulsa, and later became partner in Sloan Drilling Company, Tulsa, where he spent many years doing what he loved and enjoyed weekends at Grand Lake with the family. Rex also served as President of the Petroleum Club, Tulsa, where he had many friends. Summer vacations for the Bartels always meant camping and Rex enjoyed loading the family in the station-wagon and heading off to Canada, Colorado, and parts unknown to get away and sit by the fire. After retirement, dad and mom continued to travel the country in their RV with a goal of visiting all 49 states, including Alaska where they volunteered in church camps. Once traveling got difficult, Rex and Icel settled in their home next door to Derran and traveled less, but enjoyed time with friends, their kids, and grandkids. In late 2019, dad and mom moved to assisted living where they lived out their last moments together. Throughout Rex's life he was blessed with wonderful family, friends, and colleagues: especially Jim and Virginia Rogers and Marlene and Eudell Dover. In life and death, Rex always knew he was never alone, never unarmed, and never afraid (Eph 6:10-20). We love you Poppy and will see you in glory with Jesus. "In lieu of flowers/ gifts, please consider donating online to Youth Vision International (link below) or @ PO Box 1648, Catoosa, OK 74015. The organization supplies food, and faith in Christ, to third world countries. Your gifts are tax deductible. Thank you and God bless you. http://www.youthvisioninternational.org/home/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=1&Itemid=27"