Bolivar, Mo. – SBU Athletics Hall of Famer and former Athletic Director, Rex Brown, passed away Saturday at the age of 89.
 
Brown was an instrumental part in the development of SBU Athletics for more than 25 years. He was an Athletic Director from 1965-1988 and interim AD in 1995-96. He fostered the growth of the Athletics Department from Junior College through NAIA and into NCAA Division II. He also served as the SBU baseball head coach from 1970-75.
 
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Athletic Director and Hall of Famer Rex Brown." SBU President Dr. Rick Melson said, "In honoring the legacy of Rex Brown, we remember a leader whose dedication and passion shaped the future of countless athletes and programs. His impact will live on, not just in achievements, but in the lives he touched."
 
In 1990, Rex Brown was inducted into the SBU Athletics Hall of Fame. Despite finishing his time at SBU in 1996, his legacy has continued to live on each year through the Rex Brown Award. This is presented to one male and female SBU senior as the highest honor given by the SBU athletics department. These students represent Brown by exemplifying strong Christian character, academic achievement, and leadership qualities.
 
In 1971 and 1972, Brown was named an Outstanding Educator of America. While at SBU he served as chairman of the SBU health and physical education departments and helped develop graduate courses for that department. His impact was felt beyond just the campus of SBU, as he gave back to Bolivar in many ways, one was becoming a deacon at First Baptist Church in Bolivar in 1973. Brown served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1957. Later he earned his Doctorate of Education from Arkansas in 1969.
 
Visitation is at Butler Funeral Home, Thursday 5-7pm. The Funeral will be held at First Baptist Church in Bolivar at 10am Friday.