Donald Lee “Don” Rector, 85, of Decatur, IL, and longtime Oakley resident passed away at 5:45 P.M. Friday, May 29, 2026 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was reunited with his wife, Sandy, of 62 years. He was born May 9, 1941, in Danville, IL, the son of James Armstrong and Lela America (Upchurch) Rector. He married Pamela Jeanne (Sandy) Erickson on June 15, 1963 in Hoopeston, IL. She preceded him in death on July 26, 2025.
He is survived by two children: Bryan Rector of Decatur, IL, and Cassi (Mike) Wildman of Oakley, IL; two granddaughters, Kaitie (Garrett) Mumm of Camby, IN, and Erin (Cody) Woollen of Oakley, IL; and was eagerly awaiting a great granddaughter due in December. He is also survived by two sisters, Doris McHugh of Coolidge, AZ, and Linda Duffin of Hoopeston, IL; a brother-in-law, Bob Duffin of Hoopeston and one sister-in-law, Kathy Erickson of Colorado Springs, Co, as well as many adoring nieces and nephews.
Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Virginia Stevens, Vela McBride, Maxine Meece, and Mary Lou Strain, and one brother, Jim Rector.
Don graduated from John Greer High School in 1959. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, he served a tour of Duty in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division at Cu Chi, south Vietnam in March 1967 to March 1968. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Badge (M-60), and the Marksman (M16) Expert Badge (M-14). Don worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Decatur for 37 years, retiring April 30, 2001, where he received a plaque confirming he was an "all around nice guy." He was a member of the American Legion Post #384. Don was an avid sports fan and would watch any sporting event on tv that he could, especially the Fighting Illini basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball teams. He also enjoyed watching old westerns, especially John Wayne movies.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL with Pastor Kathy Murphy officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post # 384.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don’s memorial to any veteran’s charity or the donor’s choice.
