Rex Owen Arnold

Rex Arnold, 89, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025.

He was born on December 11, 1935, in Wheatland, Wyoming, to Charles and Verda Arnold. Rex grew up in the Chugwater area and graduated from Chugwater High School in 1953, where he became a local legend on the basketball court. Nicknamed “Riflin’-Rex,” he was best known for his powerful jump shot and a 46-point game record that etched his name into hometown history.

In 1955, Rex enlisted in the Wyoming Air National Guard in Cheyenne. He proudly served his country for 36 years, retiring in 1989 as a Senior Master Sergeant in the 153d Supply Squadron. That same year, on May 22, 1955, he married the love of his life, Darlene Scott. Together they raised three children and built a life filled with hard work, faith, and devotion to family.

Rex was a jack of all trades and a man of many skills—whether it was carpentry, sewing, leather work, or fixing just about anything. He spent many happy days helping on his niece Charlette’s ranch and was always happiest outdoors. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, waterskiing, and tending to his tomato plants. A devoted sports fan, he rarely missed a Rockies game.

Family was at the heart of everything Rex did. He took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—his lap always open and his kisses freely given. He was a godly man, humble and kind, who lived out his faith as a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Cheyenne.

Rex is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Darlene Arnold; his sister, Janet Bliss; his children Doug (Donna) Arnold, Teresa (Alan) Kelly, and Ray (Christie) Arnold; his 11 grandchildren; Stephanie Arnold, Trevor (Lynnea) Read, Cassie Arnold (Patrick Dunning), Stacee (Ryan) Mobley, Lindsay (Jon) Frye, Jess (Melissa) Arnold, Sarah (Patrick) Coker, Sydney Arnold, Jason (Dawn) Tinney, Josh (Holly) Tinney, and Nicole Kelly; and his 22 great-grandchildren; Alyx and William Read, Cohen and Charlie Dunning, Roman Mobley, Madalynn and Raegyn Frye, Emmy and Brantley Arnold, Riley, Paige and Cayde Coker, Melody and Sawyer Arnold, Jeter, Gehrig and Judge Tinney, Connor, Olivia and Makenzie Tinney, Chaz Smith, and Oliver Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Verda Arnold, and siblings Baby Arnold, Mildred Meeker, Velma Welty, and Charles Arnold.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Cheyenne, 108 E 18th St., Cheyenne, WY. with a reception to follow. Internment will then follow at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens, 4701 Christensen Rd.

Rex will be remembered for his steadfast spirit, generous heart, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.