Rex Aubrey Smelser

SMELSER, REX AUBREY (1927 ~ 2023). The following is an obituary for Rex Aubrey Smelser, Smelser was granted plots at the Texas State Cemetery by the Cemetery Committee in 2017. The obituary was published in the August 31, 2023 edition of the Austin American-Statesman.

Rex Aubrey Smelser passed away on August 26, 2023 at the age of 96, with his wife Joan and his three daughters by his side. Aubrey was born on March 23, 1927 in Lexington, Texas and grew up on Central Texas cotton farms. Having moved to Austin, he graduated from Austin High School and immediately joined the US Navy and served in WWII before returning to the University of Texas to complete his bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering. Aubrey first married Virginia Henley Bohling, with whom he had children Donna, Janet, Kent, and Carol. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Joan Reimers Blincoe, who brought Rick and Terry into the fold, and spent 57 years by her side. They were both steadfast state employees, and after retirement, they became cattle ranchers in Smithville, and also enjoyed round dancing, for which they were in great demand for cueing, instructing, and choreographing--including on cruises. Aubrey and Joan also traveled the world, with one of their greatest experiences, as a WWII veteran, being traveling to Normandy.

Aubrey was a kind and gentle soul who loved his country, his Texas, his cattle and land, and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, and very recently, by his daughter Terry Blincoe Newman. He leaves behind his loving wife and life-long companion, Joan, as well as his children Donna Howard, Janet Nitibhon, Kent Smelser, Carol Smelser, and Rick Blincoe, and his 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

It was one of his greatest honors to be able to be buried at his beloved Texas State Cemetery, over which he had been the Chief of the Texas Board of Control Building and Management Division, which included the Capitol Complex and the State Cemetery. Aubrey was also responsible for refurbishing the Texas Capitol dome ceiling, including replacement of the center star with a gold leaf finish. He also oversaw replacement of the original floors in all four wings with terrazzo to match the first floor rotunda, and worked with Speaker Gus Mutscher and Representative Ben Barnes to replace the carpet in the House Chamber.

Aubrey and Joan spent the past 30+ years side-by-side in retirement from state government, but not from life. They had a full life on their ranch, with their round dancing, and with their large extended family. Services are pending and will be held at his last residence, Brookdale Senior Living on Mesa, followed by interment at the Texas State Cemetery. "When I die, Hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away."