Rex Lydell Coles, 88, of Ammon, Idaho, peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father on June 18, 2025, having fulfilled his mortal mission with faith and love. We find comfort in the knowledge that families are eternal.

Rex was born in the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital to Leonal Coles and Edith Gertrude McLing Coles on February 11, 1937. He grew up in Milo, Idaho, and graduated from Bonneville High School in 1955.

On December 29, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Marjorie Jo Whiting, in the Idaho Falls Temple, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and devotion to the gospel. Together, they raised their three sons, beginning in Blackfoot and later building their home in Ammon, where they have remained for the past 45 years.

After graduating from BYU with his bachelor's degree in 1961, he began his career teaching for the Church Education System (CES). He later earned a Master's degree. He taught seminary at Blackfoot High School for 15 years, at Bonneville High School for 2 years, and at the Idaho Falls Institute for 19 years. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he cherished being able to help his students learn to love the gospel as well. Every Thursday, he would serve homemade soup and bread to his students.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man, he served a two-year mission in Australia and later served with Marjorie Jo at the Idaho Falls Visitors Center Mission on two separate occasions. Serving and sharing the gospel was his favorite thing to do. He never missed an opportunity to give a pass-along card and share a quick message with someone he met on a vacation or the many doctors and nurses who took care of him.  He gave away his last pass-along card within hours of his passing.  He held many callings in the church throughout his life, but teaching gospel doctrine was by far his favorite.

Rex loved life and loved to use his many talents to share his testimony and bless the lives of others. He loved photography. For years, he took wedding pictures and family pictures as a hobby income. He served many years as the superintendent of photography for the Eastern Idaho State Fair. He took home many ribbons for his photo entries as well. He also enjoyed making slide shows for his students, family, and friends. His summers were filled with gardening, canning, and trying out new recipes he came across. Grandpa's homemade salsa was a hit with all the grandkids; they always asked for a jar to take home to tide them over until their next visit.  Redfish Lake was a favorite family spot to camp, fish, and make memories with his posterity. He loved traveling, and he and Marjorie Jo have traveled to 6 of the 7 continents (sorry, Antarctica!) He and Marjorie Jo spent over 20 winters in St George. They loved the association of many cherished friends and discovering the beauties of the desert.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Arlo, and his sister, Bonnie, as well as his grandson, Tyler.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Jo Coles; his sons: Kevin (Lidia) Coles of Herriman, Utah, Brian (Debbie) Coles of Oak City, Utah, Jason (Julie) Coles of Iona, Idaho; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Cottonwood Ward Chapel, 2200 Stafford Drive, in Ammon. Services will be broadcast live at Facebook.com/coltrinmortuary.  A viewing will be held from 6-8:00 p.m., Thursday at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls, and from 10-10:45 a.m., Friday morning prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Ammon Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .