SOARDS, Emmons (Rex)

Arizona Republic (Phoenix AZ) Thursday, October 25, 2001, p B5 Emmons "Rex" Soards, 76, passed away from cancer October 21, 2001. Dear "Old Dad and Husband" was dedicated to family. "Pa" enjoyed hunting, fishing and being in the great outdoors. Rex will be remembered for a "green thumb, baking cakes and cookies for others and his jack-of-all-trades capability." Rex is preceded in death by his father, Henry Clay Soards and mother, Florence May Richey, brothers, William Hester and Delbert Garland; and sisters Ona Joyce Soards, Mildred Evelene Soards and Zella May Mathews. Survivors include his wife of many years, Anna Pauline Soards; sons, Estle Dwain Soards, Emmons Dwight Soards, Jerry Joe Soards, and one daughter, Mary Anne Warren. Sisters, Nellie Myrtle Cooksey-Martin, Tressie B. Hamilton and Mary Pearl Baldwin. Six grandchildren: Renae Diane Chaffee, Daniel Shannon Soards, Mathew David Soards, Peter Zachery Soards, Rex Clifford Soards, Chad Joe Soards. Five great-grandchildren: Shane Wilson Soards, Rachel Elise Soards, Hannah Marie Soards, Larrea Soards, Trey James Soards. And, many nieces and nephews also survive him. A memorial service for both family and friends will be held Saturday at 11:00am on October 27th at First Southern Baptist church located at 34201 Vladimir Street in Black Canyon City. Immediately following the service the family would like to invite close friends and family of Rex for a remembrance brunch. The brunch will be held at the High Desert Park Center in Black Canyon City (exit off the Old Black Canyon Road onto Jacie Lane) at 12 noon. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.