Rex Mook

Rex William Mook, 70, of Salem, Virginia, died Friday, July 28, 2023, after a courageous battle with ALS. The family will receive friends at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem on Friday, August 4 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Salem followed by interment at Sherwood Memorial Park.
Rex was born on September 10, 1952, in New Albany, Indiana to William Stanley Mook and Thelma Durbin Mook. He was their fourth son, and since he was born later in their lives, he had the opportunity to join them on their many travels. He also had a special bond with his maternal grandfather, Ben “Pop” Durbin, which greatly impacted his faith and his love of sports. Rex attended and played golf and football at New Albany High School and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. His passion and talent for golf endured throughout his life.
After college graduation, Rex briefly worked for Goodyear and was honored to receive a Rotary Graduate Fellowship, allowing him to study at the University of New England in Australia for a year. This experience was enhanced by an opportunity to play sports for the University and to travel much of Europe, even enjoying a visit from his parents while he was there.
In 1978, after returning to the U.S., Rex worked on Capitol Hill for an Indiana Congressman. During this time, he met the love of his life, Kay Snead. The two wed in 1980 and enjoyed 43 beautiful years together in Salem, Virginia. Rex also began his 33-year career as a salesman for Unisys Corporation in 1980. In addition to being a loving and involved father to his two daughters, he was also an active church member at First United Methodist Church, a painter, a mentor to many young people throughout the community, and a doting “Poppy” to his two grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Rex was predeceased by brothers Jim Mook and Lee Mook.
Rex is survived by his devoted wife, Kay Snead Mook; daughter, Alisa Mook Burns; son-in-law, Chris Burns; and daughter Emily Mook. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Camden Burns, and Violet Burns; and by his brother, Dan Mook. Additionally, Rex had special sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many close friends. Rex’s immediate family wishes to thank his sisters-in-law, Jennifer Smith Shail and Robyn Smith Ellis, for helping them with his care during the final weeks of his life. The many who loved him will never forget Rex’s kindness, generosity, and zest for life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rex's memory to one of the following organizations:
JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation); https://www2.jdrf.org, The ALS Association; https://donate.als.org, or First United Methodist Church, Salem; https://onrealm.org/fumcsalemva/-/form/give/now
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.