Dates
Bud Rector age 86 of San Angelo, TX went to be with His Savior on September 20, 2016, at a local hospital. He has joined his beloved wife of 63 years, Patti, who preceded him in 2015.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday September 24, 2016 at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic cemetery; arrangements are by Harper Funeral Home.
He is survived by his sister Joan Aye of Athena, OR and his marriage was blessed with two daughters, Sue Lamb of San Angelo, TX and Marilyn Davis of Austin, TX; three granddaughters, Kristin Peters and husband Jeff Peters, Lindsey Davis Todd of Austin, TX, Katie Davis of Austin, TX; four great grandsons, Hayden Peters and Liam Peters of San Angelo, TX, Tristin Todd and Tobias Todd of Austin, TX.
Bud enlisted in the military September 3, 1948. A few short years later he met and married the love of his life, Patti, in 1952 San Antonio, TX while they were both serving in the US Air Force. They spent the next 21 years traveling to several USAF locations in Azores Islands, Turkey, New York, Louisiana, Japan, and Texas, finally settling in San Angelo, TX 1968.
The first 10 years of his military service Bud served as an Air Policeman where he began his proficiency with firearms. He competed in the Pan-American military pistol competitions in 1968 and established himself as an expert marksman. In the same time frame, while stationed in Japan, he began taking flying lessons and became a pilot. After his service as an Air Policeman, he studied Russian at the University of Syracuse. The remainder of his military career was as a Russian linguist.
After his retirement in 1973, he commenced his second career in aviation. He became an instructor pilot and a commercial pilot. Later becoming the corporate pilot for Webb Stokes and Sparks as well as Town Country Corporations with Steve Stephens and with Rio Airlines.
His greatest passion was teaching. He was a life long learner and loved sharing his knowledge with friends and family. He became a C.H.L Instructor and had the privilege of teaching several years including teaching his daughters, granddaughters, and even a great grandson.
He loved sailing with his family in Turkey, Japan, and in San Angelo lakes (back when our lakes were full of water).
He will be deeply missed by his family and those who had the privilege to know him. We are comforted knowing that he is with his beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ holding hands with his bride Patti.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.