Rex Baker Valentine peacefully passed away Jan. 19, 2022, at home. He was born Feb. 7, 1934, to Crosby Baker and Dorothy Easter Valentine. He had a long and interesting life. Graduating valedictorian of his Montesano High School Class of ‘52, he also lettered every year in basketball, football, baseball and track.
After dairying for 4 years and distinguishing himself with one of the top two herds in the state for milk and butterfat production, he changed careers to real estate in 1969 and became known as “The Realtor With a Heart.” Generous with his time and resources, he served on many community boards. He donated all the sand to build the first race track at the Elma fair grounds and donated property to enlarge the soccer fields for the Elma school sports program. Over the years he literally changed the face of Elma, developing over 500 lots and building 180 homes in the area.
In addition to singing regularly for funerals and weddings, he sang the National Anthem for over 40 years for Elma High School sporting events and in the Kingdome twice for Seattle Mariners’ games.
In later years Rex published seven books and was well known for his poetry. He traveled the world with the “International Congress of Poets” winning many awards in global competitions.
He also had the gift of locating water and for almost 60 years he worked with well drillers and individuals to locate well sites.
However, his greatest joy was his extensive family and he did his best to attend every game and event his many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in until his health could no longer support him.
He was a deeply religious man and was quick to show his love of the Savior in word and deed. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Rex was proceeded in death by his parents and an infant brother.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane Owen Valentine, his 11 children: Koni Seaberg; Bart, Bruce and Steve Valentine; Marilyn George, Kerry Peterson, Brady and Timothy Erickson, Laura Gaskins, Jenny Baxter and Anne Tintle, two brothers; Randy and Mark Valentine, 42 grandchildren, 58 great-grand children and one great-great-grandchild.
