Robert M. Rector

Robert M Rector, 82 of Gardner, Kansas passed away peacefully on Monday March 8, 2021 at 7:35pm at Homestead of Olathe Assisted Living South. His loving son Brian Rector was by his side.

Robert Marion Rector was born May 19, 1938, to Marion and Sabra (Burke) Rector in Minburn, Iowa. He was the youngest of five children. He attended and graduated from Minburn High School in 1955. He began working on the iconic grain elevators in Minburn Iowa the same day he graduated High School. The grain elevators are ninety six feet high and they still stand today. In November 1955 Bob joined the United States Air Force. He scored so high on his entrance exams that he qualified to train as an Air Route Traffic Controller. He met Janet (Steinmann) in Highland, Illinois when he was stationed at Scott Air Force Base. They were married May 30, 1959. Bob worked as an Air Traffic controller in St Louis, Missouri, Olathe, Kansas, Memphis, Tennessee then back to Olathe. He remained lifelong friends with MANY fellow controllers.
He changed careers in the mid 1970's. Many entrepreneurial endeavors followed. Bob bought and sold Mexican pottery, blankets and chess sets. That endeavor paved the way for numerous adventure filled trips to Mexico for Bob and his friends. He owned used car lots and worked at Olathe Ford. Bob loved flying planes, playing golf, horse races and stock car races.

Bobs nicknames were: The Bull, Rex, Bobby Love. All of these names describe the man who was quick with a joke, always ready for a good time, stubborn as hell and who would help any friend in their time of need.

Survivors include his son, Mark Rector (Betsy) of Lenexa, Kansas, daughter Brenda Wallace of St John, US Virgin Islands, Brian Rector of Olathe, Kansas, Brad Rector of Olathe, Kansas and Janet (Steinmann) Rector their mother. Grandchildren Bradley Rector, Caitlyn Ashton (Miles), Landis Wallace, Kade Wallace and David Rush. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Uncle Bobby.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Rector and sisters, Darleen Smith, Marilyn Ball Bills and Alberta Lovejoy

As we were discussing the timeline of my father's service with Penwell-Gabel we were asked if having my father's cremated remains at the ceremony was important to us and Brian responded, "Of course he should be there, Bob never misses a Party."

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