Rex Raymond Rudd

Rex Raymond Rudd, 80, of Medicine Bow, entered into his eternal rest on October 27, 2025 at the Chapman Hospice Home in Casper, Wyoming.

Rex was born on April 11, 1945, to Alvin Sylvester Rudd, Sr. and Catherine Irene Rudd (née Ford) in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Rex spent his childhood in Letcher, South Dakota and graduated from Letcher High School in 1963. He enrolled in the Army ROTC program at South Dakota State University - Brookings for two years before enlisting in the United States Navy and going through the submarine program at New Groton, Connecticut. Initially, he served for four months on the submarine S.S. Burgara, before choosing to transfer to the heavy cruiser, the U.S.S. Saint Paul. Much of his service on the Saint Paul was spent in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of north Vietnam. For his tireless work as a cook, Rex earned the Saint Paul’s sailor of the month once in 1968.

Upon returning to the United States, he was stationed at Widbey Island Naval Air Station in Widbey Island, Washington. Rex was discharged from the Navy in 1971 after four years, eight months, and one day of service to his country.

Rex began working as a heavy equipment operator at Arch Minerals Corporation in 1973, and worked there until his retirement in 2011.

Shortly before his matriculation at Arch, Rex met Kathy Kennedy, whom he married in 1975. They had two children: Barry born in 1979, and Bridget, born in 1984.

Rex joined the American Legion in 1972 and was passionate about helping veterans, children and youth, and anyone in need for the duration of his time in the organization. He served on the post, district, and department levels. He immensely enjoyed Legion get-togethers. Moreover, he always made himself available for funerary honors for his fellow veterans.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Barry (Jolene) and grandchildren of Newnan, Georgia; his daughter, Bridget, of Rio Linda, California; his brother Alvin “Butch” Rudd Jr. (Lois) of Spearfish, South Dakota; his brother-in-law, Jim Porter, of Webster, South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Beverly Porter, a brother in law, Craig Kennedy and several aunts and uncles.

Rex’s proudest moments were his son’s graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in 2001, and his daughter’s graduation from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. He enjoyed time with several family pets over the years, especially the black cat, Nicholas, who lived to be 21 and was adept at helping Rex push snow. Most of all, Rex always treasured his time with his younger brother, Butch.

Rex will be missed by all who knew him, and we are grateful that he instilled a sense of service, compassion, and love for others in all of us.

A service with military honors will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, at a later date.

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