Robert James Rector, age 79, of Dover, died Sunday, October 4, 2026, in his residence.

A son of the late William “Willie” and Julia (Smart) Rector, Bob was born in North Canton, Ohio on August 3, 1947. He was one of twelve children.

Professionally, Bob worked for the former Shenango at Dover, drove truck for a handful of years, and retired in 2012 from ProVia at Walnut Creek.

In his younger years Bob enjoyed traveling with his family, working on cars and was a lifelong, avid, fisherman.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Kathryn “Kathy” Peterman whom he married on August 5, 1967; his son, Robert J. Rector, Jr. of New Philadelphia; his daughter, Tammy Rector of Somerdale; a grandson, Cody Rector; and three great-grandchildren, Emma, Mona, and Dutton Rector.

Completing the family are siblings, Dave (Penny) Rector, Richard (Kathy) Rector, Norma Heter, Shirley Billiter, and Beverly Bowersock as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother and father, Bob was preceded in death by siblings, Edward Rector, Larry Rector, Dorothy Snook, Viola Rector, Mary Weber, and Laura Ditto.

The family will greet guests on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 5 – 7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Cremation will follow through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory.