Benjamin Rex Bartmess, 66, of La Grande, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at his residence after a long battle with Cancer. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 12:00pm at Riverside Park.

Benjamin also known as Benny or Rex was born on March 24, 1957, in La Grande, Oregon to Lowell Eugene Bartmess and Victoria Marie (Montez) Bailey. Benny married Beckey Louise Tibbets and had 3 children; Bradley, Heather and Nicole. He was employed by The Union Pacific Railroad for almost 30 years. In his teens, he worked at Staley Shell. Benny enjoyed working on old cars, riding his Harley and fishing.

Benny was a loving father, brother, and husband. He loved making memories with his grandkids. He loved taking them fishing. Benny made life fun for all of his loved ones. Even in the railroad, when working, he made it fun, by having Pirate Day, Jetson’s Day and even Scooby-Doo Day. When calling or talking to Benny on the radio, they would have to speak to him in character before he would respond to them! Benny was a survivor of many things. He used his life experiences, from his 35 years of sobriety, his Diabetes and Parkinson’s, to help others who were struggling with the same issues. He was always there ready and willing to help. His family and friends were blessed to have him in their lives.

Benny is survived by his wife, Beckey; son, Bradley (Heather) Phillips of North Powder, OR; daughters, Heather Johnson of Milwaukie, OR and Nicole Watson of La Grande, OR; brothers, Arlie (Cathy) Bartmess of Milwaukie, OR, Gino (Tammy) Bartmess of Ford, WA; sister, Susan Arnason of Portland, OR; 7 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; 2 nieces and 3 nephews; uncle, Stan Bartmess; cousins, Teddi Botham, Brenda Musil and Darin Bartmess. He was preceded in death by his son, Baby Benny Bartmess; parents, Lowell Eugene Bartmess and Victoria Marie Bailey; and step- father, Howard Bailey.

https://www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/Benjamin-Rex-Bartmess?obId=28480542#/obituaryInfo