Rex Ackerson

Rex Ackerson

November 24, 1943 – January 22, 2025

Rex Ackerson was born in Blackwell, OK, on November 24, 1943, and raised on a farm between Blackwell and Braman by his loving parents, Marion and Leona Frazier Ackerson. He attended Blackwell and Braman Public Schools, graduating from Blackwell High School in 1961. Rex pursued higher education with dedication, earning an A.S. Degree in Chemistry from Northern Oklahoma College, a B.S. Degree in Zoology from Oklahoma State University, and an M.S. Degree in Natural Sciences from Oklahoma State. He further enriched his education with additional graduate hours at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

Rex's life was profoundly shaped by his service in the U.S. Peace Corps. In Tanzania, he taught agriculture, science, and English at Monduli Upper Primary School and later served as an assistant agricultural officer at Shimba Hills Settlement Scheme in Kenya. These experiences inspired his passion for teaching, and life-long devotion to students.

In 1980, Rex married Irene Ackerson, and together they raised two stepsons, Jeff and Phillip (wife Becky), and cherished their four grandsons: Reed, Jett, Pierce, and Brice.

Rex's teaching career spanned nearly four decades. He taught Biology and Chemistry at McAlester High School for two years, followed by five years teaching Chemistry at Altus High School. He then devoted 30 years to Northern Oklahoma College, where he taught biological sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics, retiring in 2010 as Division Chair of Science, Math, and Engineering. At NOC, Rex founded and directed the NOC quiz bowls for 14 years, developed an extensive archival collection, and served as the director of the A.D. Buck Museum for 24 years. He was also faculty president three times and co-chair of the NOC centennial celebration.

Rex's commitment to his community was apparent. He actively participated in the Tonkawa Kiwanis Club, Tonkawa Lion’s Club, Tonkawa Library Board, Tonkawa Historical Society, Crimestoppers, Tonkawa United Way, Faculty Advisory Council to the State Regents, Pioneer Woman Museum Board, Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Land Run, Tonkawa Renovation, Recycle OK, Kay County Democrats, Kay County Retired Teachers, Tonkawa Arts & Humanities Council, and the Oklahoma Museum Association Board. Rex also shared his knowledge through numerous talks and demonstrations on topics ranging from chemical magic to Maasai culture, the Big V Ranch, the Tonkawa Prisoner of War Camp, Three Sands Oil Field, and the history of Northern Oklahoma College. More recently he became involved in “Character Counts,” working with Junior and Senior High School students.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and leaves behind is wife Irene Ackerson, two sons, and four grandchildren.

A memorial tribute will be held on February 1st, 2025, 10 a.m. at the Renfro Center on the Northern Oklahoma College campus, and there will be no burial service.