Rex Teague
Obituary
Rex Patrick Teague, long-time Tulsa educator and musician, passed away on Friday, March 5, at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was 91 years old.
A funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Parkview Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery. A viewing for friends and family will be held 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at Ninde Woodland Funeral Home.
Rex was born December 30, 1918 in Madill, Oklahoma to Joseph Ebb and Jonnie D. (Blake) Teague; he was the eighth and last child of the family. Rex was raised in Hot Springs, Ark., where he graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1938; soon afterward, he moved to Tulsa.
Rex met his wife Joan Fenn at the University of Tulsa in 1946 during, she recalls, the first class of their first semester. They were married on May 30, 1948, and celebrated their sixtieth anniversary in 2008. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 1950 and Master of Teaching Arts in 1962, both from T.U.
Rex served stateside in the military as a glider instructor in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He spoke conversational German, which he used while communicating with German POWs.
Rex began his career teaching music in 1947 at Marquette High School in Tulsa. He would go on to teach music in Tulsa for a total of 26 years, at both Wilson Jr. High School and Central High School. He also taught vocal and instrumental music in Cleveland, Oklahoma.
Rex began teaching at Central in 1956. While at Central, he produced and directed 26 main-stage musical theater productions, including The King and I, Carousel, and Oklahoma!. After 25 years at Central, he retired from teaching in 1981. Several of his students have gone on to become to be music ministers, professional musical entertainers, actors, and theater production professionals.
Rex served as choir director in 26 churches over the course of 53 years, and led music for revivals in another 19 churches, as well as serving as a full-time music and education director in two Baptist churches in Tennessee.
"He felt that (directing church choirs) was his highest calling in ministry services," said Joan Teague, "but was equally committed to the students that came through his classrooms."
He played in the Tulsa Philharmonic as a percussionist for 14 years. In reference to her husband's hobbies, Joan said, "He was too happily busy with music to do anything else!"
Rex is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters: Arrice, Bert, Gardiner, Joe, "Pet" and Marie Teague, and Jonnie Dee Barrett.
He is survived by his wife Joan, his children Patrick J. Teague, Marie Hough, R. Michael Teague, J. Mark Teague, twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to Tulsa Central High School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 35274,Tulsa, OK 74153-0274 , Alzheimer's Association,6465 S. Yale Ave., Suite 312 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136-7810, Parkview Baptist Church Heritage Foundation, or Parkview Baptist Church's music ministry,5805 South Sheridan Rd, Tulsa Oklahoma 74145. To make an online donation click the link below:http://www.epartnersingiving.com/rexpatrickteague
Events
Tributes & Memories
I ALWAYS CALLED HIM PAPA TEAGUE. I MOVED HERE IN 1970 AND HE WAS A WONDERFUL TEACHER AND SORRY THAT HE PASSED AWAY
ROWENA CHAMBERS WELCH
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Teague and all the Teague family. I admired, respected and adored Mr. Teague. It was a miracle the Mr. Teague selected me to be a member of his Opera Club at Tulsa Central my senior year in high school, my only year at Tulsa Central. That opportunity opened so many possibilities for me. I was then, and remain now, forever grateful for his kindness and generosity. He was a mentor who inspired all of his students. God bless you and all in Mr. Teague's family. Trula Guiou Hunt, TCHS 1958 "Music heard so deeply That it is not heard at all, but you are the music While the music lasts." ~~~~ T.S. Eliot
Trula Guiou Hunt
My loving thoughts and prayers to your family.
CATHEY CROW
Iwanted to formally express my sincere gratitude to the Teague family for sharing Rex with all I should use that talent to show thanks for that blessing. His love for me saved my life, gave me the confidence to persue my dreams and in his passing I now know it is time for me pass it on to those who need the kind of love that only Papa Teague could give. Music was his ministry, but his limitless love was his calling.
Bartley Rush
Rex Teague was a model teacher at Central High that cared about his students and their future. He was the heart and soul of Central's Opera Club for many years. I had the privilege of his instruction from 1967-1970 and still fondly remember his wit, friendship and Christian witness. My condolences to the Teague family. We miss him already.
Michael Sanders
My sincerest condolences to the family. Margaret was a remarkable woman. May you all find joy in her life and put all the dark days aside. God bless you.
Leah McSorley
Deborah Adams Cagle
Thinking about Mr. Teague and the years I knew him at CHS brings a smile to my face. He was a great man with such warmth, loved kids and wasn't afraid to show it and taught us songs that some people would have found hopelessly old-fashioned. Some were classics. Some might have been corny, but I loved singing them then and I still do today. Rex "Papa" Teague was one of a kind.
Laura Hamrick Powell
PAT, MARIE AND FAMILY I was saddened when Linda called to tell me about your dad. Even though I never had him as a teacher I know he was an icon at Central Hight School, I never knew anyone he did not respect and love Mr. Teague. I do hope all of you are doing ok, and I want you to know my love and prayers have been with you. all my best, Judy
JUDY MITCHELL CORDELL
What precious memories I have of Mr. Teague. His sense of humor and leadership were priceless! I had the utmost respect for him and appreciate the way he impacted my life. Comforting to know he is with the Father now. Gloria (Moseby) McGuire Class of 76
Gloria McGuire
I had hoped to attend the funeral today for a memorable man. Unfortunately I am unable to be there. Mr. Teague was a teacher who left an impression on many people, including me. My condolences to the Teague family.
Paula Scoggins