Rex LeRoy Shannon was born to Rex LeRoy and Laona Marie (Currie) in Clay Center, Kansas. His father, Rex, was killed in an accident on April 15, 1947. Rex was then adopted on August 11, 1950, by Alvin Leisy and his name was changed to Rex Le Leisy.

The family moved to a cattle ranch in Alliance, Nebraska, and he had three siblings: Robert, Ron and Bruce.

As a child Rex was active in 4-H and he served on the 4-H Council. Rex attended Nebraska Christian High School and graduated in 1965.

He attended college for two years before enlisting in the US Army’s Primary Helicopter School. He graduated from Pre-Flight training and solo trained on a TH55 at Mineral Wells ,Texas. A back injury prevented Rex from passing the flight physical, so he completed more training and in 1969 he left and spent 10 months and 4 days in the Republic of Vietnam. After returning home, Rex married Louise Francone and had three children: Brenda Kay, Jennifer Grace, and Andrew Shannon.

Rex then moved to Broadwater and worked with Anthony Francone for years on the family farm. Rex and Tony had a close relationship, and he was a special person in his life. In 1988 he went to work at Dayco-Parker in Alliance, Nebraska. He was a lifetime member of the NRA (Broadwater Post 312 Legion and VFW). He served three terms on the Village of Broadwater Board. After retiring, Rex worked with Leisy K-Lawn for several summers.

Rex loved to hunt and spent all his free time on the North Platte River, making many great friends along the way. He enjoyed watching his grandsons, Drew and Dixon, shoot their first geese and ducks.

He also loved to help with the family’s 4-H animals. He was incredibly happy to welcome a granddaughter, Gracee, and later three additional grandchildren, Zane, Zaylie and Shae. Rex also had 3 stepchildren whom he loved dearly: Meg Craig, Rashl Bunnell, and Russell Barker.

He is survived by his children, Brenda (Chris Schwegel), Jennifer (Andy), Andrew (Melody); grandchildren Drew Leisy, Dixon Leisy, Gracee Taylor, Zane Gosney, Zaylie Gosney and Tishayla McCafferty; brothers Robert (Diane) and Bruce (Karol); and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Rex Shannon; his adopted father, Alvin Leisy; his mother, Laona Leisy Perrin; his brother Ron Leisy; cousin Mike Leisy; and grandparents Memorial services for Rex were held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport. Interment followed at Rose Hill Cemetery in Broadwater with military honors. Memorials may be made in Rex’s name to the family and will be designated at a later date. Fond memories may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel. com.