Charles Hartgraves

Charles "Rex" Hartgraves, 85. Our beloved Father, Husband, Brother, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Uncle and Father-in-law passed away on December 16, 2022. Charles Rex was born in Artesia, NM on November 20,1937, to Cornelious Rex and Elizabeth Eileen Barnes Hartgraves. He spent his childhood in Southern New Mexico.

Rex was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Nell Davis Hartgraves, his youngest daughter, Kay Lynn Hartgraves, his brother John B. Hartgraves, his sister-in-law, Betty Davis Cox, and brother-in-law, Lynn Davis.

Those left to cherish Rex's memory are his son, Charles Davis Hartgraves, his sons: Chandler (Retha), Chase (Brittany), Cameron (Hailey). His daughter Lee Ann and son-in-law Chet Southard and their children: Ashlee Cillessen (Dale), Joseph Layne Southard (Scheryiah), and Shelby Kay Lynn Southard, his brother Michael B. Hartgraves (Marilyn). Rex was very proud of his five great-grand children: Dean and Claire Cillessen, Arlyn and Schryer Southard, Allie Hartgraves. Rex was an Uncle to many nieces and nephews and was a brother-in-law to, Maxine and Jimmy Derrick, and Dub and Jenny Cox.

Rex had a successful career with the US Forest Service, completing his service in the Washington DC office. He made many new friends in the community as a business manager for Southard Service Company.

Rex made many lifelong friends through his work and his church. He was a member of Gateway Church, and served as an elder for many years. Rex was a kind, gentle, loving person that will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Charles Rex at the Gateway Church, 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico on January 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made in Charles Rex's name to the Gateway Church, Christian Services program, 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345