Ben Rector
Ben Kirby Rector was born on November 9th, 1933, in Colorado City, Texas. He was the eldest of five children born to Beola and John Rector. From a young age, Ben demonstrated a strong work ethic, assisting on the family farm and later tending oil rigs. He graduated from Dumas High School in Dumas, Texas, in 1950. Following high school, Ben attended Texas A&M University, joining the Corps of Cadets and studying chemical engineering. He graduated in 1955.
After graduating from college, Ben began his professional journey at Fisher Governor Company in Marshalltown, Iowa. There, he met and fell in love with Doris Ann Sharer. He also participated in the Army ROTC and completed six months of active duty at Fort Benning, Georgia. After his military service, Ben and Doris settled in Marshalltown, where they raised four children. Ben progressed in his career at Fisher, eventually becoming Vice President of Sales. He was highly respected and cherished by his colleagues.
In 1984, Ben accepted an ownership role with a Fisher Agency in Los Angeles, California, prompting a move with Doris. He founded California Controls, known as Caltrol. Doris achieved her dream of returning to college, earning her associate's degree from Pasadena Community College.
Upon retiring, Ben and Doris moved to Indian Wells, California. Ben enjoyed Desert Horizons Country Club, while Doris pursued her bachelor’s degree from Biola University. Summers were spent in Iowa, visiting their children, grandchildren, friends, and being at Elmwood Country Club. Following Doris’s passing in December 2006, Ben returned to Texas, where he reconnected with Jackie Farmer, a childhood friend from Dumas. Ben and Jackie married in 2008 and made their home in Robson Ranch, Denton, Texas. In 2023, they moved to their retirement residence at The Legacy, Willow Bend in Plano, Texas. Ben and Jackie shared a happy life together, centered around each other and their faith.
Ben passed away at the age of 92 on February 13th, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Jackie of Plano, Texas, his brothers Richard (Karen) Rector, and Ken (Rita) Rector, his brother-in-law Michael Burk and three adult children:
Daughter Tracy (Tom), VanderLinden, granddaughters Manisha (Darren) Chaplin and Rose (Zach) Schmalz.
Daughter Marcia Laugerman, grandsons Steven Laugerman and James (Deanna) Laugerman, great-grandchildren Maely 12, Joelyn 10, Nigel 10 and Zoey 4.
Son Bill (Donna) Rector, grandchildren Katie, Kirby and Charlie Rector.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary, his brother James, his wife Doris, his son John Benjamin, and his son-in-law Dave (Marcia) Laugerman.
Ben enjoyed golfing, Gin Rummy, “Crazy Pitch”, fishing and flying airplanes. He was known for his generosity, humor and ability to make friends wherever he went.
Memorial services are scheduled for Sunday, March 15th at 2:00 PM at Highland Country Fellowship, 5202 Boedeker, Dallas, Texas 75225. Condolences may be sent to the church, attention Bill Rector. The service will also be available online with the following link: https://highlandcountryfellowship.org/memorial. An additional memorial and interment will take place in Marshalltown, Iowa later this year. Instead of flowers, please send his family pictures and memories of Ben. If a donation is desired, please make it to Highland Country Fellowship (Dallas, Texas) in his memory.