William G. Rector

William G. ""Bill"" Rector, a longtime Cheyenne resident, businessman, and State Senator, passed away October 31, 2012. Bill was born July 22, 1922 in Des Moines, Iowa. He joined the United States Marine Corp in 1942 and served in the Pacific theater from the spring of 1943 until he was discharged in 1946. During the period, he served in the South and North Pacific, from Guadalcanal to Okinawa, where the landing ship he was on survived the novelty of kamikaze attacks. After the Japanese surrendered he was assigned to China, where for several months he reported on Communist activities in his region. In 1948 Bill came to Cheyenne where he was employed as the Athletic Director and Coach at the newly created Johnson Junior High. In that same year he met Norma Watkins, who was also teaching at Johnson. They were married in April 1950. In 1950 Bill left education and purchased the Owl Inn Restaurant, which he operated with Norma until they sold the business in 1992. While in business in Cheyenne, Bill served in the Wyoming Legislature for 22 years, six years in the House of Representatives and the balance in the Senate. Bill was a Democrat and enjoyed politics and government service very much. He especially enjoyed his period as Minority Floor leader, where his impact on State affairs was more broadly felt. While a legislator he had the honor of being appointed a member of WICHE, the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, by Governor Ed Herschler. Bill always rooted for and followed Wyoming University athletics - win or lose, winning preferably. Bill was President of the Cheyenne Quarterback Club. Bill was not only a sports fan but a supporter of the entire University. During Bill's business career he was appointed a director of Wyoming Key Bank. He helped establish the Del Range Key Bank and became its chairman. Later Bill was appointed to the statewide Key Bank Board of Directors. Key then had twenty-three branches and was the largest bank in Wyoming. Bill is survived by his wife Norma, his son Dr. William Rector, Jr., his daughter Christine Rector, his sister Susan Roberts of Phoenix, and three grandchildren, Sarah, David, and James. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens, 701 S. Lions Park Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82001. A later announcement will be made of a Celebration of Life to be held in Cheyenne in December