Rex Alden Bessent was born on May 7, 1945, in Brownwood, to Melvin Newton Bessent and Ione Stanley Bessent.  He grew up on the family farm near the Duren Community located in Mills County.  He thoroughly enjoyed his time growing up in that area with his brothers, Stanley Bessent and Lanny Bessent.  Rex passed away on March 18, 2025, at Hendrick Medical Center in Brownwood, after a lengthy illness.

Rex attended school at Mullin.  He enjoyed school, graduating as the valedictorian of his class in 1963.  Rex then attended Howard Payne University where he graduated in 1967 with a degree in accounting.  Rex also furthered his education at North Texas State University.  Rex met his wife, Norma Jean Taylor, at Howard Payne.  They married June 8, 1968, in Lampasas.

Rex was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1970 and remained licensed until his death.  He began his career working for John Arthur Thomason who he credited for starting him on his eventual career path.  After leaving John’s practice, Rex spent the rest of his professional career in public accounting in Brownwood.  He thoroughly enjoyed his work and especially enjoyed visiting with his clients.  He considered most of his clients his friends.

Rex served as Brown County Auditor for 23 years.  He was well respected and felt like this work was a meaningful contribution to the community.

Rex was one of the owners of Roberts & Petty, Inc. for many years.  Rex was proud of this business, and he enjoyed his relationships with Ted Petty, Dale Nix, and Mickey Perkins as well as the many employees and friends he interacted with in that company.

Rex loved the country.  For many years, he raised cattle with his brother, Lanny.  After Lanny’s death, he and his son, Mark, raised cattle and then goats.  He really enjoyed working on the land.

Rex and Norma have two children, Amanda Kaye Poole and Mark Taylor Bessent, both of Brownwood.   It is difficult to describe the many ways in which Rex helped his family.  He was involved in their many activities growing up and was always there to help any of them.  As his children became adults and he had grandchildren, he really enjoyed being with the grandchildren and, as his health deteriorated, stayed involved as well as he could.  Rex’s love for Norma and the rest of his family was obvious in his final days.

Before leaving home, Rex and his family attended church at the First Baptist Church of Mullin where he was saved.  Rex and Norma were active members of First Baptist Church of Brownwood for most of their lives.  Rex taught Sunday School and Royal Ambassadors, served as a deacon, and was on numerous committees.  Rex’s faith was extremely important to him.  It was clear that he knew that Jesus was his Lord and Savior.

 Rex is predeceased by his parents and brothers.  He is survived by his wife, Norma, children, Amanda (and husband, Scott), and Mark (and wife, Kara), and four grandchildren, Hannah, Kaden, Taylor, and Kailee.

Funeral services for Rex will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Brownwood.  Burial will follow at 2:00 PM in the Oakview Cemetery in Mullin.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:30 until 7:00.  Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Brownwood or Howard Payne University Scholarships.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Bessent family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com