Obituary

Rex Van Wascom, Sr.

April 12, 1942 - May 16, 2026

Rex Van Wascom, Sr., age 84 and of Mt. Hermon, passed from his earthly home on TH Cutrer Road on May 16, 2026 to his heavenly home. He was born on April 12, 1942 at home in Mt. Hermon, La. to Alton “Shorty” Wascom and Easter Mae Wascom of Mt. Hermon.

Rex was a man who believed in hard work and never minded getting his hands dirty. Through the years, he wore many hats and mastered many trades. He graduated from Mt. Hermon High in 1960. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Manatee from June 1961 to June 1965. After his service, he spent years dairy farming, driving 18-wheelers across the highways, operating heavy equipment in gravel pits both in the past and present, driving school buses and even owning and operating a café or two where friends and neighbors gathered.

Known for his strong work ethic, independent spirit, and willingness to help others, Rex touched many lives throughout his years. He enjoyed feeding his ducks and koi fish, being with his family during the holidays, visiting with friends at Brooks’s General Store while drinking coffee, and living life on his own terms.

Though his earthly address has changed, the love and memories he leaves behind will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Leontine “Tootie” Wascom; one son, Rex Van Wascom, Jr. and spouse Twila Wascom; one daughter, Tabitha Wascom Schenk and spouse James Schenk; his cherished grandchildren, Amanda Wascom, Rex Van Wascom, III (Madison), Colton Wascom (Courtney), Coy Reeves (Kelsey), Lainey Streets, Monica Schenk Morris (Chris), Cody Schenk, Abby Schenk, 14 great-grandchildren that loved to entertain him, and a special nephew Jason Cooper (Yvonne). He is also survived by his only sister Geraldine Wascom Bankston; Sister-in-Law Janice Cooper; Brother-in-Laws Michael Ducoing (Susie) and Leslie Ducoing, Jr., along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends who will forever treasure his memory.

Rex is preceded in death by his parents, Alton “Shorty” Wascom and Easter Mae Wascom, Brother-in-Law Troy Bankston, Mother-in-Law Rita Ducoing, and Father-in-Law Leslie Ducoing, Sr.

We would like to thank the Nurses and staff at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Fair City Rehab, Riverside Medical Center, and Lakeview Hospital for being patient in taking care of our dear Husband, Daddy, and Pappy.

“Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday May 22nd from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm Friday with Bro. Ray Schenk and Bro. Corey Morris officiating. Burial will follow in the Wascom Hill Cemetery on the family property.

Pallbearers: Colton Wascom, Cody Schenk, Buddy Wascom, Chris Morris, Hank “Shoeshine” Tate, Jason Cooper

Honorary Pallbearers are Tommy Quinn, David Brooks, Paul Givens, Greg Ard, Keith Schilling and his friends in the Brooks Coffee Club.