Obituaries

Eugene W. Rector

September 16th, 1933 – January 13th, 2025

Eugene W. Rector, 91, of Ipava, IL, passed away at 6:40 am on Monday, January 13, 2025 at his home. He was born on September 16, 1933 in Vermont, IL, the son of Ward and Adah (Easley) Rector. Gene married Carolyn K. Watson on July 4, 1953 in Havana, IL. She survives.

He is also survived by his two children; Sharon (and Randy) Parks of Adair, IL and Leland (and Valerie) Rector of Ipava, five grandchildren; Branson (and Brenda) Parks, Brian (and Christen) Parks, Brecken (and Rodney) Reimolds, Tyler (and Amanda) Rector and Leighton (and Amber) Rector, eleven great-grandchildren; Justin (and Cortney Hopkins) Parks, Renden Reimolds, Rylan Reimolds, Delaney Parks, Everly Parks, Adahlyn Rector, Lily Rector, Peyton Rector, Brie Rector, Claire Rector and Katelyn Rector, and one brother; Dean (and Carolyn A.) Rector of Vermont.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister; Margaret Rector.

Gene served in the United States Army.

Gene was a farmer.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #26 of Vermont. He was also a member of the Vermont Christian Church, Ipava Toy Club, Vermont Antique Tractor Club and the Aqua Clowns Ski Club. Gene loved International Tractors. He also loved attending his families ball games. He was a devoted dad and grandpa. He enjoyed his family and was always in their lives.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in the Baughman Cemetery in Smithfield, IL. Pastor Mike Ulmer will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the US Army Honor Guard and the Vermont American Legion Post #26. Memorials in honor of Gene may be made to the Table Grove Fire and Rescue, Vermont Christian Church or MDH Hospice.

Condolences

January 13th, 2025

So sorry to hear this…he was a wonderful person…

January 13th, 2025

To Carolyn and the family of Gene please accept our sympathy at his passing. May you feel God's love and comfort as you remember him and his wonderful life! Rodney and Theresa

January 13th, 2025

So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Gary & Bev Taylor & family

January 13th, 2025

So very sorry for your family’s loss. Roberta Oest

January 13th, 2025

So sorry for your loss!!Praying for all!!

January 13th, 2025

Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mike and Linda Blemler

January 13th, 2025

Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gene.
Adam and Cindy McClintock

January 13th, 2025

My sympathy to the family.
Pam Butler

January 13th, 2025

So very sorry for your loss. May God Bless and keep you all at this time .

January 13th, 2025

Having known and respected this man throughout the years, he will be missed. This world needs more men like him. Our deepest sympathy goes to Carolyn, Dean & Carolyn, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. John & Sandy Bybee

January 13th, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Gene passing.He was a wonderful person. My love and prayers to Carolyn and family. Carol Greer

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. I remember talking to him at the Halloween party at Vermont Ballpark,a nice man. Jim and Vicky Ackley

January 14th, 2025

Sorry for your loss. Tommy and Pam Trone

January 14th, 2025

So very sorry for your family’s loss.
Janet and Curt Rigg

January 14th, 2025

Sorry for your loss. Roger and Linda Schneider

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Gene was a great guy and an asset to the community. Without his time and efforts, the Topless MiniDome which he and Carolyn enjoyed greatly , would not been home to several generations of youth and adults.
Thanks for your service to country and community.

January 14th, 2025

Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family and that you will experience Gods peace during this time of loss.

January 14th, 2025

So very sorry for your loss. Enjoyed talking to both of you at the baseball and football games. Vickie Herren

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for the family’s loss.
Karen Lamm

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your family's loss. Jim and Deb Park

January 14th, 2025

We are so sorry to hear this …. We’re sending our Sympathy and Prayers to your family 🙏🏼
Dennis & Cyndi Ratcliff

January 14th, 2025

So sorry to see this. Prayers for the entire family. Meredith and Lucille Kepple

January 14th, 2025

So very sorry to hear of his passing! What a wonderful man he was!! Sending prayers, Keith & Christy Lehman

January 14th, 2025

Rest in peace Uncle Gene. Aunt Carolyn, you are in our hearts and prayers. We appreciate all the times you and Uncle Gene let us hang out on the farm!! We love you. 💞 Betsy and Gary.

January 14th, 2025

Keeping you all in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

January 14th, 2025

So sorry to hear of Genes passing. My mom and I enjoyed talking to him and Carolyn. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Judy Wilson

January 14th, 2025

So very sorry for your loss Thinking of you all Becky Siddens

January 14th, 2025

So sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family. Tana Crossman

January 14th, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Robert and Susan Cameron

January 14th, 2025

Deepest condolences to Carolyn and all the Rector family. Prayers that God's love will give you comfort and peace. Gary & Cheryl (Cox) Matteson

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Alan and Georgiana Clemens

January 14th, 2025

So very sorry for your family's loss. Dennis and Jo Chenoweth

January 14th, 2025

Carolyn , lifting you and your family in prayer. We will miss Gene. He was a kind soul, love to all! Donna Horwedel and family.

January 14th, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Our sympathy and condolences to all of his family.
Terry and Liz Coleman

January 14th, 2025

So very sorry for your loss. Gene was a good man. Thinking of all of you. Brian Bucher

January 14th, 2025

Our prayers for comfort and peace for Carolyn and all the Rector and extended families and friends and this time of loss. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Gene going back some 50 plus years, and always knew him to be a man of integrity who loved his family, his farm and his country. I enjoyed watching his loyalty to those he loved and his attendance supporting them at various events. A life well lived! Sid and Jeanne Parks

January 14th, 2025

So sorry and sad to hear of Gene's passing. I met Gene 29 years ago. He and his lovely wife, Carolyn were two of the nicest and kindest people I have met. Carolyn, please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family. May the Lord grant you his comfort and grace through this difficult time. Rest in peace Gene, for you are now in His presence. 🙏✝️🙏

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family. Norma Meehan

January 14th, 2025

Aunt Carolyn, Shoran and Leland-What an awful loose- Uncle Gene was always so nice to me- gave me hugs- he didn't say much just smiled at me and laughed a little. Once I had 7 uncles( Uncle Charlie- Uncle Glenn- Uncle John- Uncle Junior- Bob- Uncle Danny--and Uncle Gene ) and my dad TOM and now I have none-VERY good memories of holiday gatherings.
I can only image the reunion in HEAVEN- with the men WHO married those WATSON SISTERS. WHAT a blessing to have you in the family- it was an honor- LOVE Cricket- until we meet again

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jim and Karen Hopkins

January 14th, 2025

Our deepest sympathies to the Rector family on your loss. John & Dianne Welscher

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for the families loss. Gene will be missed by all. He was a good man.

January 14th, 2025

Out deepest and heartfelt sympathies to family and friends.

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for the loss of dad, grandfather and great grandfather. Prayers.

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. David and Peggy Naff

January 14th, 2025

Carolyn, Sharon, Leland, and families, my Sincerest and deepest sympathies to you and your families.
So many have great memories of "Uncle" Gene, because he was a part of their life and left them with great memories. I know Gary loved those years that the entite families gathered and those times spent hunting with family on the farm. I know personally, I will always remember him with that smile he always gave to everyone.
Patricia Gilbreath

January 14th, 2025

Sorry to hear of Gene's passing, always enjoyed talking to him. Steve Bucy

January 14th, 2025

The Rector families have been friends and neighbors of my family for at least three generations! He will be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss. Cathy Clanin Elmore

January 14th, 2025

To the Rector families - so very sorry for your loss.. Carol Miller, Dave and Debbie Berry

January 14th, 2025

Carolyn,Sharon,Leland, I've just been thinking of all the good memories of Gene.may the lords love comfort you and your family,Todd Carithers

January 14th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Gene was nice man

January 14th, 2025

We'll miss Gene's great smile and twinkle in his eye. Always a pleasant man and loved by many.
Curt and Georgia Richmond

January 15th, 2025

We are so sorry for your loss. Gene will be greatly missed. Whenever I was around Gene and Carolyn I always felt like I was back at home.
Jennifer and Brian Lehman

January 15th, 2025

I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray that his family will experience God’s peace. Praying for you. Cindy Popejoy

January 15th, 2025

So sorry about the loss I had a ton of respect for him rest now Gene your time on duty is done my time on watch continues Rodney Beck IS Navy retired and VIT class of 1980.

January 15th, 2025

Gene was one of my favorite farmers ! He will definitely be missed by me ! I love Carol and I hope she gets through this o.k. ! Red

January 15th, 2025

So sorry for your families loss. I always enjoyed talking with Gene when I had the chance. Prayers to Carolyn, Sharon, Leland and the entire family. Terry Pilger

January 15th, 2025

Leland so sorry to hear about your dad. You will be in our prayers
Dean and Dakota Southerd

January 15th, 2025

So sorry to hear of Gene's passing. Condolences to the whole family. Herb and Kathy Snowden

January 15th, 2025

Please accept our deepest sympathies for Carolyn, Sharon & Leland & spouses, all his grandkids, and closest friends! Gene had a quiet & meek soul, but found a way to make his presence known. He will leave a void for those who knew him. Prayers & hugs!
Jim & Sandy Derry

January 15th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Joyce Weaver Plantenga

January 18th, 2025

My deepest condolences. I always felt very welcome on your farm. Martin Wipf

January 18th, 2025

So, so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family. Mike and Donna Shirley

January 19th, 2025

My sincere thoughts and prayers for you and your families.

January 20th, 2025

Gene was a great guy. Enjoyed visiting with him at Carolyn's class alumni. We talked about farming. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.

January 20th, 2025

Gene was great guy . Enjoyed visiting with him at Carolyn class alumni . We talked farming. He will be missed. Prayers to the Family Thinking of yous. Carol Fisk Kolves

January 20th, 2025

Sorry for your loss. May the many memories comfort you. Scott and Lisa Fawcett