Charles Rex Witherspoon, DDS, passed away peacefully Monday, January 7, 2019 in his home with his family by his side.  He was 95.

Rex will be remembered for his integrity, work ethic, and for the love of this fellow man.  He was beloved by his family, friends, family, church community, and professional community with whom he worked for more than 60 years.   Rex was described by his dear family and friends as a man whose joy and kindness was contagious.  His nurses often said, "When Dr. Witherspoon walks into a room, it's like turning on the sun."  That's just it, his presence brightened the lives of all he encountered.  From his patients and colleagues to the people on the street, Rex's infectious happiness knew no bounds.

Rex joined the world on October 29, 1923 to parents Harry and Lucy Witherspoon of Springfield, MO.  He grew up in a modest home on the north side of Springfield as the oldest of three children.  He graduated from Springfield Senior High School in 1941 and went to Drury University.  In 1942, Rex put his studies on hold to do what his generation did, serve his country.  He joined the Navy.  His Naval service included overseas duty aboard the U.S.S. Providence, CL-82 and the U.S.S. Albany, CA-123.  In the midst of his naval service, Rex attended Washington University School of Dental Medicine where he received his doctorate degree.  He went on to complete his post graduate work in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Chicago and his Oral Surgery Fellowship in Kansas City.

In 1952, Rex returned to Springfield and founded the firm that became Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd (OMS).  Dr. Witherspoon continued to work at OMS until his retirement in 2013 after more than 60 years of work as an oral surgeon. OMS continues to be a pivotal surgery center in Springfield with five surgeons and a large staff to carry on Dr. Witherspoon's legacy.

As if his work in Springfield weren't enough, he spread his positive impact in the profession of dentistry around the world.  Rex traveled for years as a Dental Team Leader for Project Hope where he worked with a team of other doctors to meet the medical need of men, women, and children living in poverty.  His last trip to Nicaragua was taken at the age of 87.

Rex's dedication to his career and the advancement of oral surgery did not end at 5:00 p.m.  He was very involved with professional affairs on the local, state, national and international levels.  Most notably, Rex was president of the Springfield Dental Society, president of the Greater Springfield Dental Foundation, president of the Missouri Association of Oral ad Maxillofacial Surgeons, and president of the Midwestern Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.  He received multiple professional and community awards including the Most Outstanding Student of his class at Washington University School of Dental Medicine, the Missouri Dental Association Dentist of the year in recognition of his outstanding service and devotion as editor of the Journal of the Missouri Dental Association, and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Salute to Health Award for his co-founding of the Oncology Dentist Support Program at Mercy Hospital.  He was the first chairman of the Dental Department at Mercy and served in its Executive Committee.  In 2012, Rex as awarded the Missouri Dental Association's Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his many years of service and dedication to organized dentistry and the dental profession.

Not only was he active in the dentistry world, Rex spent much of his free time involved with philanthropic organizations in the Springfield community.  He served as president of the Springfield Junior Chamber of Commerce, president of Burrell Mental Health Center, chairman of the board of the Missouri Cancer Society, and president of the Ozark Counseling Center among many others.  He also served on the board of the Rotary Club, Salvation Army, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, and YMCA.  His altruism, philanthropy, and generosity were a beautiful part of his character garnering him admirations and respect from everyone he came in contact with.

Rex married his wife Jan late in life.  They wed in California in 1998 and went on to thrive in a wonderful harmonious life together.  They made family the center of their lives and greatly enjoyed visiting their combined seven children who live throughout the United States and overseas.  They loved hiking, golfing, and traveling together.  Rex often gushed that Jan was his best friend and the love of his life.  Together they enjoyed 20 blissful years.

Rex was valued by his numerous colleagues and friends as a deeply thoughtful mentor and advisor and will be missed by many.  He was a member of Second Baptist Church where he made lifelong friends through worship and fellowship.  He also was a long-term member of Hickory Hills Country Club where he enjoyed golfing and his days off.  He was an avid flyer, earning his pilot's license after leaving the Navy.  On the weekends he could be found playing dominoes and cards with his family and friends.

Rex's greatest passion was to live a life of integrity and to make a difference in the lives of others.  He was certainly successful in his endeavor as he leaves behind a bounty of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and patients that deeply valued this effect on their lives.

Rex is survived by his wife Jan; son Dr. Douglas Witherspoon and his wife Pat of Birmingham, AL; daughter Dr. Valerie Witherspoon of Los Angeles, CA; daughter Megan Witherspoon of Jacksonville, FL; daughter Allyson Witherspoon of Tokyo, Japan; son Dr. Robert Witherspoon and his wife Asha of Dallas, TX; stepson Andrew Dellbringge of Shawnee Mission, KS; stepson Robby Roberts of Clemson, SC; sister Pat and her husband Dr. George Poulos and their children and grandchildren; brother Dr. Jim Witherspoon and his wife Becky and their children and grandchildren; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren of his own.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, January 11, 2019 at Second Baptist Church, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 5pm to 7pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, Project Hope, or Itus Virtus Foundation of Springfield, Missouri in Rex's name, or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at gormanscharpf.com.