Donald Eugene Rector

Donald Eugene Rector, son of the late Leon Edgar and Georgia (Ashton) Rector, was born August 13, 1931, in Madera, California, and passed away August 31, 2019, at his residence in Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was 88 years and 18 days of age.

Don had many hobbies starting at a young age. He enjoyed making model airplanes and hanging them from the ceiling of his room. He also enjoyed photography. He would take two pictures of the same thing, making sure he had it in focus and the lighting just right to get that “perfect” picture. He would always say, “just gotta make sure”.

He entered the Air Force on June 26, 1951, and served his country for four years. While in the Air Force he took courses in electronics and became an electronics engineer and a radar technician. He saved the government a lot of money by redesigning the radar and he received a commendation for it.

Donald married Norma L. Burk on September 5, 1953, and they were blessed with three children, Martin, Richard, and Sally Ann. Don worked hard to support his family. After the Air Force he worked as a circuit designer, working his way up to outside plant engineer. He was also a technical writer, writing instructions in technical terms that people could understand.

He loved his family and enjoyed taking them on camping and fishing trips or on a day excursion to Carmel, Santa Cruz, or Fort Ross.

Don was the spiritual leader of his family by leading the family in daily devotions, Bible study, and prayer. He was active in his church by singing in the choir and teaching kid’s Sunday school. He would also be there to help with any maintenance that might be needed at the church.

After retirement, Don enjoyed growing and taking care of his fruit trees and vegetable gardens. He also enjoyed growing his favorite flowers, fuchsias, miniature roses, and rhododendrons. He also enjoyed wood working.

Besides his parents, Donald was preceded in death by one son, Martin Rector.

He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Norma, of the home in Mountain Grove, one son, Richard Rector of Rolla, Missouri, and one daughter, Sally Ann Rector of Fresno, California, one brother, Mike Rector and his wife, Janet, of southern California, and a host of other family and friends who will miss him very much.