Eugene Arthur Rector

     Eugene "Gene" Arthur Rector, age 80, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
     A Private Family Gathering will be held at a later date.
     Eugene was born in Cedar Springs, MI on September 19, 1943, the son of Theo and Edith (McWilliams) Rector. On August 20, 2005, he married Virgene (Root) Kirby on the beach in Grand Haven, MI.
     Gene retired from Meijer after many years of employment. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. During his time in the Air Force he held a high security clearance and developed film during the Vietnam Era. Gene and Virgene loved to vacation together, especially taking fall color tours and taking trips to the Upper Peninsula. After retirement they lived in Tennessee for seven years and returned back to Michigan in 2019.
     He is survived by his wife Virgene Rector of St. Johns, MI; son Eugene and June Rector of Sand Lake, MI; son Ronald and Keri Rector of Sand Lake, MI; step son Richard and Elizabeth Kirby of Ludington, MI; step daughter Krista and Dr. Robert Downer of Grand Rapids, MI; step daughter Lisa and Chad Rousseau of St. Johns, MI; 7 grandchildren: Rune Kirby, Kennedy Kirby, Kate Kirby, Christian Lehner, Catherine Lehner, Carson Downer, and Allison Downer; brother Del and Betty Rector of Sparta, MI. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Theo Rector and Edith Sipple, and also his granddaughter Emma Jean Rector.
     Memorials may be made to Operation Freedom Outdoors, www.ofoveterans.com.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.