Rex Paul Rosenbaugh Sr.

Rex Paul Rosenbaugh, Sr., of Aztec, New Mexico, passed away peacefully and with his family, at Mercy Medical Center in Durango, CO, on April 11, 2025. He was 74 years of age. Rex was born on January 16, 1951, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Elizabeth Luella and Paul Harold Rosenbaugh. After leaving Iowa, the family eventually settled in Aztec, where he graduated from Aztec High School in 1971. 

While serving on the Aztec Fire Department for a few years, and going out on a blind date, he met the person he would forever love, Suzan Marie Davis. Six months and one day later they were married at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Aztec. They were just two months short of 48 blessed and wonderful years together. 

After a number of years of marriage, Rex joined the Catholic Church and subsequently becoming a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. During his years of service, he eventually was given and was ever so proud to accept the position of Grand Knight. 

His greatest accomplishment and his happiest moment was when his son, Rex, Jr., was born. While raising his son, he shared among other things his love of animals, riding horses, and loved just spending time with him. He often expressed his pride at the fact that his son followed in his foot steps and became a heavy equipment operator. 

He loved going camping and taking his family, and that included nieces and nephews, where he would try to foster his enthusiasm of one of his greatest loves, and that was fishing. He loved any opportunity to teach and/or share his love for this hobby or the opportunity go with someone. 

Upon setting in Flora Vista, Rex was asked to join the Flora Vista Volunteer Fire Department. Because he didn't want to leave Suzan at home alone all the time, he took her along, and thus began their awesome 45 year journey in Firefighting and EMS with Flora Vista VFD and ending with San Juan County Fire and Rescue. During his time with Flora Vista VFD, he held every rank, including that of District Fire Chief, including becoming an EMS First Responder. 

Rex and the family traveled the State of New Mexico attending NMSFFA Conventions and teaching at the NMSFF Academy in Socorro, was well as small fire departments in the State and for the BIA in NM and Arizona. This resulted in spending many a Wedding Anniversary in the camper and sharing an anniversary meal of hot dogs and chips (and other such foods) with the son, nieces, nephews, and other family members. Resulting in some beautiful memories. 

Rex was a Life Member of the NM State Firefighter's Association and a Past President, as well as a Life Member of the Tri-State Firefighter's Association. Rex loved sharing his knowledge and teaching new (and old) firefighters. Even when he could no longer respond to calls due to medical issues, he still continued to attend meetings and trainings to share what he knew and had experienced. 

His favorite sport was baseball and would spend hours watching as many games as he could. His favorite team is the Colorado Rockies and was able to attend a home game as an Anniversary gift from Suzan. The best baseball games he attended, however, were the ones being played by his young family members. 

Rex was a simple man who loved his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. He could make a friend wherever he went, particularly if you had a fishing pole. 

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Luella and Paul Harold Rosenbaugh; sisters Diane Rosenbaugh and Bonnie Rosenbaugh; brother, Roger Rosenbaugh; and other family members. Rex is survived by his wife, Suzan; son, Rex, Jr.; brother, Ronald (Marilyn) Rosenbaugh of Crystal Lakes, IL; sister, Susan Arnold of Farmington; sister-in-law Linda Rosenbaugh or Farmington, Suzan's family, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Rex loved rodeos, but mostly his Rodeo kids! He touched many people in many different ways and left many memories in his path. 

The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM Friday April 25, 2025, with The Memorial Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 410 A. Allen Ave., Farmington, New Mexico with Fr. Tim Farrell as celebrate. Interment will follow the Mass at Memory Gardens, 6917 E. Main St. Farmington, New Mexico. A reception will take place following the graveside service at Sacred Heart Parish Family Center. The Rosenbaugh family extends an invitation to the attendees you come and share some food, your company and your memories. 

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are: Rex Paul Rosenbaugh Jr., Dale L. Davis, Thaddeus Davis, Zion Kirkpatrick, Shanon Haun, Ethan Haun, Aiden Glatz, Ronald Rosenbaugh, Dale M. Davis, Cameron Davis, Tyler Glatz, Chris Hare, Desmond Davis and Rian Glatz. 

Rex liked flowers and plants for the house or garden, or a memorial contribution may be made to your favorite organization or charity.