Brentwood resident and retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Rex Edward Dunivent passed away Saturday, June 2, 2012 after a brief and unexpected battle with cancer at the age of 82. He touched many lives through his music, tennis, love of sports and his generous kind heart, and he will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Rex was born in Marceline, Mo. on Jan. 1, 1930. He graduated from Southwest High School, Class of 1947, in Kansas City, Mo. and continued on to receive a business degree from the University of Kansas and mechanical engineering degree from the University of Wyoming. He graduated from Officer Candidate School and went on to proudly serve his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force.

Rex was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and devoted pet lover. He made many good friends in his travels with the Air Force and in subsequent years working for the government in Wyoming, California, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Germany. He loved tennis, crossword puzzles, NCAA Final 4 and playing the saxophone with the Summerset Big Band.

Rex is survived by his daughter, Gayle Roaseau, and her husband, Conley of Brentwood; his son, Karl, and wife, Cindy, of Kansas City, Mo.; and grandsons, Eric, and his wife, Angie of Hastings, Minn., Clay Dunivent of Kansas City and other family and friends.

Rex is preceded in death by his father, Edward Dunivent; his mother, Mildred Riffle; and his loving wife of 50 years, Joanie Heckle Dunivent.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Democratic Party or your local pet adoption agency.

Interment will be held July 7 at at Saint Joseph Memorial Park Cemetery, 4950 Frederick Ave. in Saint Joseph, Mo.