Frank H. Rector

Frank H. Rector, 94 of Tempe, AZ passed away on February 25, 2015.
Frank was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Frank was born in West Jefferson, Ohio, the next to youngest of the nine children of Marcus and Libby Rector. He graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1938 and was a veteran of WWII, having served in a medical unit in the South Pacific. After the war he met and married his beloved wife of almost 69 years, Wilda Ackerman Rector, and together they had five children.
Frank was a tool and die maker at Westinghouse for many years before relocating his family to Arizona. He worked at Glendale High School in the athletics department until retirement and was voted the most loved man on campus one year. He was a man ahead of his time, a room father in the 1960s, and an environmentalist in the 1970s and ‘80s as he rode his bike to work daily. Even mountains were no obstacle; when he was in his late 50s Frank participated in the run up South Mountain with the high school track team and was cheered all the way to the top. He continued his fitness campaign all through retirement and into his 93rd year, walking almost daily and going to lift weights at the YMCA.
A wonderful father, a doting grandfather, Frank was a carpool driver for many events, the enthusiastic audience member during many band concerts, and a mentor for many. He was a hands-on father in an era when that was the exception, not the rule. He shared with his children his many gifts: the box step, love of music and the love of a good book. He will be remembered best for his sense of humor, his gift of gab, and his loving heart. He will also be remembered for his gift of writing and the many, many photographs he took chronicling the adventures of the Rector Family.
Frank is survived by his wife Wilda, his five children, Terril (Jeff) Glasgow, Cinda (Rusty) Gavagan, Ruth (David) Rector-Wright, Sam (Jill) Rector, and Marla (Carl) Naisant, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends who love him. Services will be held on at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E. Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ. In lieu of flowers the family would like for contributions to be made to the Tempe YMCA, 7070 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283 in honor of Frank’s lifelong commitment to fitness. Arrangements entrusted to Tempe Mortuary, Tempe, AZ.