Remembering Wayne Rector, 1920-2017

Thank you for the devotions

In November, we lost a longtime contributor to our newsletter — resident Wayne Rector, who wrote devotions for Community Matters for several years. He died Nov. 17 at the age of 97.

Born Harry “Wayne” Rector on April 4, 1920, in Arkansas City, Wayne lived here his entire life, apart from his service in World War II. In 1941, he married Mary Elizabeth Burrel. The following year, he enlisted in the Army and served as a tech sergeant in Iran during the war. Afterward, he returned to Ark City and to his job with the Santa Fe Railroad, first in the yard and later as a locomotive engineer. He retired in 1981.

Wayne enjoyed fishing, gardening and singing. He loved the Lord and wrote many devotions for Community Matters, plus articles for the “Secret Place” and “Dial-a-Devotion.” Wayne was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by Mary Elizabeth. They had two daughters and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established for Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor and the First Baptist Church. We want to thank Wayne and his family for their contributions to our publication. He touched many lives at Presbyterian Manor and will be missed.

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