Vernon “Rooster” Roy Rector was born June 18, 1953, on Current River in Shannon County, Missouri, the son of Bill and Ola Rector. The Lord called him home on May 20, 2025, at his home in Winona, Missouri with family at his bedside.
Vernon was the 12th of 13 children. His early education was in a one room school at Cotoreva.
In 1963, the family moved to Winona where he graduated with the class of “71”.
Vernon learned to fish and hunt at an early age, a passion that grew with him. He loved
his dogs, especially his beautiful beagles, and loved listening to them on a rabbit chase, “Aw that’s music to my ears.” Vernon was a hard-working man and the toughest I have ever known. Vernon was a loving and caring person and had a heart as big as the outdoors. He was so special to his nephew and niece, Tobby and Ashley, put their life on hold to see that Uncle Rooster’s every need was taken care of. He was in a car wreck when he was a teenager that left him with lifelong health issues that forced him to slow down and in later days he gave his life to the Lord Jesus.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ola Rector; four brothers, Glen Dale Rector, Allen Rector, Darrell Rector, and Ira Rector; one sister, Gracie (Rector) Fox; five nephews, John Fox, David Rector, Dale Rector, Marvin Rector, and Richard Rector; one niece, Lisa Berry.
Vernon leaves to mourn his passing four brothers, Charles Rector of Kansas, Harold (Jim) Rector of Ellsinore, MO, Melvin Rector of Dyersburg, TN, and Jerry Rector of Montier, MO; three sisters, Lorene (Rector) Wright of Thomasville, MO, Mary (Rector) Manis, and Margie (Rector) Berry, both of Winona, MO; one son, Zach Vermillion and Britany; two grandsons, Thorn and Briar; two granddaughters, Lakelynn and Leanna; and many nieces and nephews who were dear to his heart; and his friends, too many to count.
Vernon’s passing has truly left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. Time will dry our tears, and flowers will bloom again, and the sun will shine. Vernon, we will see you again in heaven, where you will be pain-free and walking!
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Yarber Mortuary in Winona, Missouri with Roy Bettis officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
