Rex G. Cooper, of Salina, KS, died peacefully at home on March 12, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born on April 21, 1947, to Arthur (Mex) and Nelda Cooper. He was raised in Hoxie, graduating from Sheridan County High School in 1965.

Rex received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Fort Hays State University. He served with the United States Army in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star.

He married Lynn Pratt in Hoxie on December 29, 1973. They were married 52 years.

Rex was a devoted teacher and coach for 36 years. He began his career in Smith Center in 1973 where he taught high school social studies and established the school’s first wrestling program. After six years he accepted a teaching and wrestling coaching position at Southeast of Saline, Gypsum, in 1979. He was proud to be part of the coaching staff for SES’s two state wrestling championships in 1985 and 1986. He touched the lives of countless students and athletes and was proud of his time in the classroom and on the mat.

Rex was especially proud of his two children and six grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally, making several trips to Europe and Hawaii as well as his annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas with family members. He enjoyed golfing, working in his yard and reading and he never grew tired of learning. He also carried on his father’s tradition of making the best eggnog in town, delivering the Christmas treat to countless friends.

Rex is survived by his wife, Lynn, of the home; daughter, Sarah Shelby and husband Jimmy, of Salina; son, Evan Cooper and fiancé Jenny Nyberg, of Lawrence; and six grandchildren: Kennedy and Addison Gottschalk, Clayton and Luke Shelby, and Avery and Molly Cooper. He is also survived by two brothers, Mex and Kem Cooper, and a sister, Cindy New.

He will be remembered for his dedication to his students, his love of family, and the many lives he influenced through teaching and coaching.

Memorials can be made to the Southeast of Saline Education Foundation, Gypsum, KS.

A private inurnment will be on March 18, 2026, at All Saints Cemetery, Salina, KS.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.