Rex DeFord Newcomb

Rex DeFord Newcomb was born on September 10, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Rexford Newcomb Jr. and Helen Jane Newcomb. He grew up in Virginia, New Jersey and Illinois before moving to Lake Geneva, WI in 1948. In seventh and eighth grade he was on the basketball team, they were undefeated both years. It went on to Badger HS, where he lettered all four years on the basketball and football teams. He graduated third in his 1955 graduating class. During the summer Rex worked on the Marrieta, an excursion boat captained by Bob Wiese one of his HS teachers. He met his wife Nancy in 1954 at a chartered excursion at Camp Augustana. They dated for four years and were married in 1958 at the University of Chicago Rockefeller Chapel. Nancy is the daughter of Oscar and Ella Orwar of Chicago, IL.

Rex accepted a scholarship at Yale University in September 1955, where he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1959. While at Yale he worked as a secretary in the Chemical Engineering department and was President of Alpha Chi Sigma, a chemical fraternity. Nancy and Rex were both at Yale for his Senior year in New Haven, CT and their first son, Fletcher DeFord, was born there.

After graduation they spent three years in Manistee, MI with Rex working for the chemical division of Morton Chemical Company where he was Plant Manager, and active in the Jaycees. Their second son, Rexford Newcomb III, was born. Then he moved on to LaSalle Peru, Illinois for five years of work at Carus Chemical Company where he was head of manufacturing and personnel. He was again active in the Jaycees and was President of the local chapter. Then on to Libertyville, IL where he spent 10 years working for Baxter Laboratories in various corporate positions. Their son, Andrew, was born there. Then it was off to Colts Neck, New Jersey where he was President of Worthington Biochemical Company for three years. The family returned to Lake Geneva in 1978 when he purchased RX Chemical Co. from his father who was retiring. He was active in the Kiwanis Club and became its President. Rex was also active in the Pilgrim Church until it closed and subsequently the Linn Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Chair of the Finance Committee.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their three sons Fletcher, Rexford and Andrew. Sister Leslie Gagliardi. Grand children Jessica Huguenin, Jason Newcomb, Amanda Newcomb, Colin Arbuckle and Ryan Arbuckle. Great grandchildren are Jessica’s daughters Kaelei Kramer and Keira Kramer.

His recreational activities consisted of traveling, golf, fishing, bridge, flying planes, gardening and reading.

Services for Rex will be held on Saturday October 17th, 2026 at 2:00pm at Linn Presbyterian Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service, at the church, starting at 1:00pm.

To share a story of your time with Rex, or to share a condolence to the family, please proceed to the bottom of the obituary under Guest Book where you can submit your post.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Rex's family.