Dates
Rexine “Nena” Bristow, 83, passed away on September 25, 2026. Born on November 9, 1942, in El Reno, Oklahoma, Nena lived a life marked by steadfast faith, quiet strength, and sincere devotion to others.
As a teenager, Nena cherished the time she spent in Kuwait before returning to the United States. She graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1961. Those early experiences helped shape the open-hearted person so many would come to know—someone who lived honestly and treated others with unfailing kindness.
Nena devoted most of her career to banking, serving nearly 10 years at Central National Bank and more than 20 years at First National Bank of Mertzon, where she continued working until 2012. Her work reflected the dependable character that defined her life: she was careful, considerate, and guided by a deep desire to do what was right.
On September 9, 1961, she married Marion Bristow. They shared their lives together until his death in 1983. Nena’s greatest joy was her family, whom she loved deeply and cared for with a selfless and generous spirit.
She is survived by her sons, Brent Bristow (Joe Fuson) and Blake Bristow (Quinlan Bristow); her grandchildren, Brynne and Mace Bristow; her brother-in-law, Phil McCormick; her niece and nephew, Crissi McCormick and Matt McCormick; and her great-niece, Sunni Cate McCormick. She was preceded in death by her mother, Chick Barler; her father, George Barler; and her sister, Abbie McCormick.
In retirement, Nena made her home in Plano, Texas, near her sons and had the joy of watching her grandchildren grow. She found comfort and happiness in life’s simple pleasures—reading, gardening, and settling in to watch her favorite television series and movies.
Nena also valued community and connection. She was a member of the Philia Club and devoted her time to planning several reunions for her Central High School graduating class. Her faith remained at the center of her life, and she especially treasured the time she spent with her Sunday school class at Southland Baptist Church.
Those who knew Nena understood that caring for others was not simply something she did—it was the way she lived. Even on her final day, she was doing the things she loved: talking with friends, tending to her yard, and watching over her beloved fur babies. She leaves behind a legacy of gentle generosity, thoughtful attention, and a faithful heart that made others feel seen, valued, and cared for.
The family extends special gratitude to Vicky Eckert, whose wonderful friendship with Nena included working together to find and share daily messages of encouragement that ultimately reached thousands of people. Appreciation is also extended to Todd Young, Michael Ryner, and Mike and Denise Connolly for checking in on her and being such great friends.
Visitation will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Thursday, October 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home on Friday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m., followed by committal at Fairmount Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Michael Ryner, Glen Piner, Dale Taylor, Mike Connolly, Matt McCormick, and Hutson Piner. Honorary pallbearers will be Phil McCormick, Raj Cheruku and Mace Bristow