Art Deco Expert Rex Ball Passes

[Conan71]

He was an encyclopedia of Tulsa's rich architectural history and a fine gentleman.

"Rex Ball, an internationally known architect and urban designer who for many years championed historic preservation efforts in Tulsa, died Sunday in Memphis, Tenn.

He was 76.

A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. A visitation is planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home.

An Oklahoma City native and longtime Tulsan, Rex Martin Ball founded the Tulsa office of the architecture-design firm HTB Inc. in 1962.

In 1994, after nearly 40 years in practice and with projects ranging from the expansion of St. Francis Hospital and Tulsa Community College locally to the design of the Ministry of Defense and Aviation Complex in Saudi Arabia, he was named the firm's chairman emeritus.

That same year, in recognition of his architectural achievements and reputation, Ball was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.

Ball was especially well-known in Tulsa for his efforts to recognize and protect its art deco architectural landmarks.

A former president of the Tulsa Historic Preservation Commission, he co-founded the Tulsa Art Deco Society and was its president.

He also was a founding commissioner and chairman of the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority and a member and former president of Downtown Tulsa Unlimited.

Ball, who had a master's degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was also a past president of the American Institute of Architects' Tulsa and Oklahoma City chapters.

Survivors include his partner, Stephen George Edwards; five daughters, Julie Willingham, Linda Ball, Sharon Corbin, Renee Boehnen and Tiffany Bjorlie; and eight grandchildren."

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/ourlives/article.aspx?subjectid=58&articleid=20101130_11_A11_CUTLIN853696

[TheArtist]

  I so regret not having spent more time with Rex to learn more about the history of Tulsa and its architects and architecture.  He was a direct connection to our history as he could tell you stories about having met some of the famous architects who built our historic buildings and skyscrapers.  It was great to have gone on the last downtown tour that TN put on in which Rex plucked all kinds of fascinating tidbits from his vast well of knowledge.  He had expressed his wish to "pass on the banner" of his knowledge of Tulsas architecture and history to me.  We kept in touch via e-mail and met a few times, and one always thinks there is more time and "we will get together later". Though I did not know him well, I feel fortunate to have known him as much as I did.  We at the DECOPOLIS will endeavor to carry on the efforts to preserve Tulsas art deco treasures and keep its magical history alive.

[PonderInc]

I will definitely miss Rex.  Conan is right: he had an encylopedic knowledge of local architecture, Tulsa history and its inhabitants.  He was a local treasure, who had a great sense of humor and a deliciously sly wit.  I always knew I could call him and ask for advice or information, and I would be blown away by the breadth and depth of his knowledge, as well as his kindness, generosity and willingness to help.  He will be missed.  My thoughts go out to his family.

[ARGUS]

I grew up knowing Rex as my father and he were friends and had buisness together. He was a true talent and further a strong advocate of Tulsa. I am typing this on a hand me down HTB desk. I was fortunate to know Rex and his family. As my training/apprenticeship as a Journeyman commercial carpenter I am lucky to have many architects to learn from and interact with. We have lost a teacher.