Dr. Robert A. Rector DDS's Obituary
Dr. Robert A. Rector, DDS, 90, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 11, 2018 in the presence of his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Marilyn (Pike); his four children, Lora French, Stuart (Tammy), Reed (Ann), and Mark (Cyndi) Rector; eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and brother Thomas Rector. He was preceded in death by his parents, E. DeForest and Myrtle (Brower) Rector, his brothers John and Dave Rector, and sisters-in-law Jerry (Tom) and Ada (Dave) Rector.
Bob grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In the summers during the late 1930’s and ‘40s, the entire family would work on his grandfather’s farm where he and his 3 brothers would earn money to pay for their school clothes and supplies. They grew corn, alfalfa, and cucumbers. Bob said that during those years he picked so many cucumbers that he never wanted to see one again, and for the remainder of his life he refused to eat them. Bob enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school in 1946, and after serving in Korea was discharged in 1948. He returned home and attended Grand Rapids Junior College, where, in Mr. Dawson’s English class he met, and began dating, a young Marilyn Pike. He continued his education at the University of Michigan, and in September 1954 he and Marilyn were married. He graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1955, and continued at the U of M to complete his specialization as an orthodontist.
In 1957 he and Marilyn moved to Muskegon where he started his orthodontic practice. For many years, Bob also maintained mobile practices in Ludington and Fremont – renting space from local dentists. He said it was easier for his patients if he went to them. He operated his orthodontics practice for 38 years, before retiring in 1995. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest enjoyment came from time spent with family as well as traveling with his family, as a couple with Marilyn, and also with his good friends Arnie Sarya and Dick Johnson.
He was an avid skier, golfer, and card player. He was a long-time member of the Muskegon Country Club, the Muskegon District Dental Society, the Michigan Dental Association, and served for 54 years with the AMBUCS Muskegon chapter. He was a longtime member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Muskegon. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Robert will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St. (231) 798-1100 at 3:00 PM with visitation taking one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?