Rex L. Wilson

Rex Lee Wilson, 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

Rex was born on May 26, 1942, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Ralph Lee and Dorothy Leona (Johnson) Wilson.

In first grade, Rex met a young lady named Pegge Ann Bair while attending school in Henderson, Illinois. They reconnected at age 13 and remained sweethearts until they were married on July 22, 1961, in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they had four children, all of whom are still alive: Christi (Randal) Rust of Dallas, Texas; Dorothy Tapscott of Galesburg; Sherri Corder of Rock Island; and Mark Wilson of Clovis, California. Rex is also survived by his eight beloved grandchildren, Tristan (Savannah) Tapscott, Jared (Ashleigh) Tapscott, Ethan (Emillie) Tapscott, Channing Empson, Chandler Swanner, Anika (Cody) Okerson, Hunter Corder, and Keely Wilson; and six adored great-grandchildren, Capria’Lee Empson, Harper Tapscott, McKenlee Empson, Remington Tapscott, River Tapscott, and Baby Tappy. Also surviving are two brothers, Roger (Roberta) Wilson of Knoxville, Illinois, and Rodney Wilson of Pensacola, Florida; his former wife of 40+ years, Pegge; and all his critters.

Rex worked at Gates Rubber Co. in Galesburg for more than 30 years, retiring as a supervisor. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating and fishing at Little John Conservation Club. He was an avid collector of miniature trains, vintage toys, and other antiques, and he enjoyed watching old movies, especially Abbott and Costello. Rex found joy in life’s simple pleasures: sitting on his porch with a cup of coffee and his dogs while visiting with neighbors, going to his favorite restaurant, Coney Island, for a classic coney dog, tending his yard, and woodcarving. Above all, Rex loved his family and often worked two jobs to support them.

The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Mausoleum Chapel at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. No visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to Wildlife Prairie Park. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to this family at www.watsonthomas.com.