Rex Wesley Bell died at his home in Auburn on Aug. 2 from heart failure.

He was born Feb. 17, 1943, in Puyallup to Earl and Maryjane Bell. He was raised in Tukwila, graduating from Foster High School in 1961. He attended college at Seattle Pacific University, followed by theological seminary at Asbury in Kentucky. He returned to Seattle in 1967 after the death of his father. He began working at Seattle Pacific where he met his future wife, Deanna Cox. They married in 1969, he completed seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, then became assistant pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle. In 1977, he became senior pastor of Wabash Presbyterian Church on the Auburn/Enumclaw Plateau where he remained for 16 years. He then founded and directed Auburn Encouragement Counseling until his retirement in 2004.

He enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables and mentoring youth throughout his retirement. He joined the congregation of St. Leo’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife Deanna; children Justin, Dean and Brenna and their spouses; and five grandchildren.

Memorial services will take place at 12:10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Tacoma.

Donations in his memory can be made to St. Leo’s Church for its new garden. Donating information can be found at www.stleoparish.org.