Rex Throckmorton

Rex Denton Throckmorton, age 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Albuquerque, NM. Born in rural Ohio in June 1941 to Jane Corwin Throckmorton and Francis Asbury Throckmorton, Rex spent his formative years in the close-knit community of St. Paris, Ohio, population 1,400.

In high school, Rex excelled both academically and athletically, serving as class president, playing football and basketball, running track and field, editing the yearbook, and starring in the senior play. Raised by his single mother, Rex and his siblings, Ann and Don, developed a strong work ethic early on. From age 12, Rex held various jobs, including paper delivery, grass mowing, farm laborer, honey bottling, ice cream vending (which sparked his lifelong love of ice cream), airplane light inspecting, and his favorite job-projectionist at the family-owned theater until its closure in 1959 when he left for college.

Rex attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where he majored in psychology and participated in the Air Force ROTC program. He was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and the Men's Judicial Council. It was at Denison, while waiting tables at the women's dining hall, that he met Barbara, his devoted wife of 62 years. After graduating in 1963, Rex pursued a law degree at The Ohio State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1966. He was a member of the Law Journal staff and was inducted into the Order of the Coif.

Following graduation, Rex joined Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, a prestigious law firm in Cleveland. After eight months, he was called to active duty in the Air Force, serving as a Captain in the Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps from 1966 to 1971 at bases in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tokyo, Japan. After his honorable discharge, Rex accepted a position at the law firm of Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin, and Robb in Albuquerque, where he worked until his retirement on January 1, 2008. Specializing in the defense of complex business cases, Rex was recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Southwest Super Lawyers, and Chambers and Partners America's Leading Business Lawyers. The Rodey firm grew from 21 lawyers when he joined to 70 when he retired. During his later years with the firm, he served as President and Managing Director.

Rex's professional contributions included serving as President of both the New Mexico State Bar and the Albuquerque Bar Association. In 1997, he was honored as the Albuquerque Bar's Outstanding Lawyer of the Year. He was also active in community organizations, serving as President of the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association, President of the Huning Castle Neighborhood Association, and a board member of Accion, the Albuquerque Country Club, and the Albuquerque Ethics and Campaign Practices Board.

In retirement, Rex enjoyed golfing at the Albuquerque Country Club, particularly cherishing golf trips with his sons, Scott and John. He was passionate about volunteering as a math and reading tutor for third and fourth graders at Longfellow Elementary School. Rex and Barbara traveled extensively, enjoying bridge games and reunions with old friends.

Rex is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; sons, Scott and wife, Susan of Albuquerque and Dallas, and John and wife, Robin of Cincinnati. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Amanda Welles and spouse, Sam, Paige and spouse, Alex, Tyler, and Emily; and two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Abigail Welles. Additionally, Rex is survived by his sister, Ann Wiant and husband, Keith of Columbus, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his brother, Don of Springfield, Ohio.

A service will be held Friday, July 12, 2024, 1:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street, NE, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Albuquerque Country Club from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Rex's memory.