Keith was born July 6, 1938, in Rohrer, IL, the son of Wishard John and Evelyn Faye Farmer Rector. He married Shirley Eileen Reveal on July 13, 1958, in Waverly; she preceded him in death on September 29, 2019.
Keith graduated from Waverly High School and was employed as a heavy equipment operator with the Sangamon County Highway Department. He was also previously employed as a deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and also New Berlin Police Department. Keith was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed watching New Berlin football. He enjoyed watching the TV show Cops, gambling, and raising cattle.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marsha Moore; and brother, Donald Rector.
Keith is survived by his son, Shawn Rector of New Berlin; daughters, Kimberly (James) Rhodes of New Berlin, Beth (Kirt) Wright of Chatham, and Peggy (Jeff) Bergschneider of Franklin; grandchildren, Justin Rhodes of AL, Amanda Wade of Springfield, Bryck Rhodes of TN, Faye and Ashley Bergschneider, both of Franklin, and Grace Rector of New Berlin; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Kolbe.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home-New Berlin, 714 East Gibson St., New Berlin, IL. A law enforcement walk through will be held at 10:00 a.m.
Graveside Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Waverly East Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Home Hospice, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or Wounded Warrior Project.
