Benjamin Rex Aman,
age 96, of Fort Worth, Texas, died on May 28, 2009.
Rex was born on February 17, 1913, in Cambridge, Nebraska, to Wallace Riley and Nora Louisa (Brown) Aman. He married Agnes Frances Gumbel on December 31, 1938, in Wahoo, Nebraska. He was descended on his father’s side from Dutch West Indies settlers in the New Amsterdam colony (now Manhattan in New York City).
He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in history and later attended seminaries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. He served as a Methodist minister in Nebraska and later as minister of Unitarian churches in Quincy, Illinois, and Fort Worth, Texas. He maintained an avid, lifelong interest in history and politics and was always a staunch civil rights advocate.
After leaving the ministry, Rex worked as an insurance agent for several companies and finally as an independent agent. He was very gregarious and loved talking with anyone around him, which served him well in life and in his careers as did his desire to help people. In retirement he employed his considerable woodworking skills and love of antiques in restoring and refinishing furniture, even learning how to cane chairs when the need arose.
Through good and lean times, Rex loved and supported his family, always encouraging his children to think clearly, to strive for excellence, and to value and pursue education.
In 1952, Rex and Agnes purchased land on the north shore of Clearwater Lake off the Gunflint Trail. Summers spent at the lake were among the happiest times of his long life, especially when he was fishing. The first tiny shed and tent platform evolved into a rustic but spacious cabin, which grew each decade as three generations, pitched in to help with the ongoing building projects. Friends and family members all have treasured memories of time spent there with Agnes and Rex working, playing, visiting, and just enjoying the beautiful North Woods.
Rex lived with a great appreciation of beauty in the world from classical music to fine old furniture to the wonders of nature. He cared deeply about putting his best efforts into whatever task was at hand, whether crafting a sermon or building a cabin. Through the difficulties of his last years, he maintained his independent spirit and was granted his final wish to die in his own home.
Rex is survived by his three children, Frances L. Garn of Middleton, WI; James R. Aman of Chicago, IL; and John F Aman of Lincoln, NE; one sister, Ruth Morehead; and dear friend Rosemary C. (Born) Aman. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes, in 1997; his parents; four brothers, Fred, Dale, Dee, and Walter; and one sister, Vera Crabtree. Rex and Agnes rest beside one another in Garland, Nebraska.
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