Rex Bradley Hennen

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Rex Bradley Hennen, who departed this life on May 7, 2026, at the age of 64. Rex was born on March 11, 1962, in Garden City, Kansas, and was raised in Seminole, OK. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and dedicated special education teacher, whose contributions to his community will be deeply missed.

Rex earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, working for the City of Shawnee for over 30 years in the engineering department, as well as the Shawnee Regional Airport. He retired from the City of Shawnee in 2017, starting a new career as a special education teacher at Shawnee Early Childhood Center in 2019, while working on his Master’s Degree in Special Education. His passion for teaching and his unwavering commitment to his students and their families made a profound impact on many lives.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard John Hennen. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Caryl Hennen, his children, Elyse Hennen of Salem, Oregon, Enid Hennen of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Aaron Hennen of Granbury, Texas, Lita Hennen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Eric Hennen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Lilly and William Hennen of the home, his grandchildren, Elijah and Allie Richman of Salem, Oregon, his mother, Jackie Hennen of Okemah, Oklahoma, his siblings Mitchell and Tamra Hennen of McAlister, Oklahoma and Cindy and Steve Crider of McAlister, Oklahoma, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Rex earned his black belt in TaeKwonDo, loved spending time with his family and friends, and enjoyed playing video games and telling a multitude of Dad jokes. He was always prepared with a one-liner or a quote from a movie or favorite show and rarely lost a game of miniature golf. He was a passionate supporter of cancer awareness, having survived Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 18 and prostate cancer at the age of 62.

A memorial service to honor Rex’s life and legacy will be held at 10am on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at University Baptist Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma (2515 Kickapoo Street). Family and friends are invited to gather to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a remarkable man.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in support of the Rex Hennen Endowed Scholarship for Opportunity Orange Scholars Fund at the OSU Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the OSU Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1749 – Stillwater, OK 74074-1749 or gifts can be made online at https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=36-36000. Please note your donation is in memory of Rex Hennen. Rex was passionate about his students and disability advocacy, and his family is honored to continue his legacy through this ongoing scholarship.

Rex leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and dedication. He will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.