Dr. Rex Haren, PhD, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, following a lengthy illness. Dr. Haren was born in Greene County on October 10, 1926, one of six siblings, to James Roy and Dessie Dixon Haren.
Dr. Haren served his country in the Army Air Corp and later went to college on the GI Bill. He graduated from the University of TN with a Doctorate in Agricultural Engineering, an accomplishment for which he was very proud. Dr. Haren became a professor in the Engineering and Math Departments at Emory & Henry College where he taught from 1952 to 1988, helping shape the lives of numerous professionals along the way. He was a fifty year member of the Johnson Lodge No. 274 of the Free and Accepted Masons. After retirement, Dr. Haren purchased the family farm and spent many years enjoying cattle farming, gardening, and spending time with family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert (Vee), William (Bootie), Doyle, Dale, and sister Reba Ferguson.
Dr. Haren is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty Holt Haren; sister, Alice Hawes; two daughters, Blair Haren Hickman and husband Timothy (Bo), and Johanna Haren; grandson, Zach Hancock and father Roger Hancock; sisters-in- law Joy Haren and Julia Eidens; and several special nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to his home care givers Jill Waters, Dee Banks, Penny McCurry, Bob Broadfoot, Aimee Pritchard, Laurie Cearnal, and Cherl Trantham for their nurturing care and support, as well as the staff in the Alzheimer's Unit at Erwin Health Care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
The family will receive friends 11:00 am till 12:00 pm Friday, November 28, 2014 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Services will be conducted at 12 noon with Dr. Vincent Haren officiating.
A Military Graveside service will be conducted at 1:45 pm Friday at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the American Legion 3/265.
Pallbearers will be Zach Hancock, Roger Hancock, Bo Hickman, Tim Ferguson, Eddie Haren, and Rory Hale.
Visitation
NOV 28. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes
117 E. Charlemont Ave.
Kingsport, TN, US, 37660
[email protected]
http://www.hamlettdobson.com
Funeral Service
NOV 28. 12:00 PM
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes
117 E. Charlemont Ave.
Kingsport, TN, US, 37660
[email protected]
http://www.hamlettdobson.com
Graveside Service
NOV 28. 1:45 PM
Mountain Home National Cemetery
53 Memorial Ave.
Mountain Home, TN, US, 37684
http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/mountainhome.asp