Rex L. Dull

July 24, 1938 - August 16, 2017

REX DULL DECORATED FIGHTER PILOT, LOVING FATHER AND HUSBAND PASSES UNEXPECTEDLY Rex Leonard Dull was born on July 24, 1938 in Arkansas City, Kansas to Clyde Dull and Wilda Fern “Babe” Dull (nee Brundridge). He was raised across the Midwest hunting, fishing and camping, settling in Gary, Indiana. After deciding against a boilermaker career, Rex joined the Air Force in the Aviation Cadet Program at Harlingen AFB, Texas. He graduated from flying training course, earning his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, his Navigator wings, and marrying the love of his life, Shirley, all on June 4th, 1959. After several Navigator assignments, including the RC-121 aircraft during the Cuban Missile Crisis, he applied for Pilot training and was sent to Craig AFB, Alabama. After graduation and earning his pilot wings, Rex and Shirley moved to Nellis AFB, NV, where he completed F-105 training. Rex then served at McConnell AFB in Kansas as an instructor pilot, at Nellis AFB and at Yokota AFB in Japan. He was later stationed at Korat AFB in Thailand and flew more than 100 F-105 combat missions over North Vietnam. He then returned to Nellis where he converted to the F-111 and flew the fighter-bomber there, and on another tour in Thailand including more missions over North Vietnam. In 1977, the family moved to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, where he served with distinction as a Fighter Squadron Operations Officer and Commander. Rex and Shirley then lived and served in Bangkok, Thailand with the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group, where he was promoted to Colonel. Then he served in Southern California at the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center and in Frankfurt, Germany as the Air Force Liaison to the US Army’s 5th Corps. Rex’s final assignment was as the Inspector General at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Rex retired as a Colonel in May 1989 after 30 years of service to our country. He served as a highly decorated AF fighter pilot, including during the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia. Flying well more than 100 combat missions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster for missions in Cambodia and Vietnam, the Air Medal with three silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, in addition to approximately thirty additional medals, recognitions and citations, including one for Small Arms Expert Marksmanship with One Bronze Service Star for besting General Colin Powell in a marksmanship contest. During retirement Rex devoted himself to his family and to volunteering for the American Legion, the Dogwood Thrift Shop, Meals on Wheels and many other causes. Rex was a loving husband and father, an avid outdoorsman and skilled marksman, and frequently took the family camping, fishing and hunting. He was well-loved. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Shirley Hutchens Dull; his younger brother, Terry (Laura); daughters, Julie and Kimberly and grandchildren, Spencer and Emily. His only son, Scott Michael, preceded him in death. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Kidwell Garber Funeral Home of Laurie. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. There will be a celebration of life event (with lunch) at the American Legion Zack Wheat Post in Sunrise Beach immediately thereafter. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to The Lamb House at 50 Illinois Street, Camdenton, Missouri 65020. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.