Carl Dean Rector, 87 of Zanesville

Carl Dean Rector, 87, of Zanesville, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, at Licking Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 24, 1938, in Fallsburg, Ohio, to the late Earl Rector and Edna (Acord) Rector.
Carl lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, faith, and friendship. He retired from UPS after 34 years of dedicated service as a driver. Throughout his career, Carl met countless people, and his warm, outgoing nature served him well. He truly never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone around him feel welcome.
On October 3, 1958, Carl married the love of his life, Barbara L. (Russi) Rector. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and built a family that was the center of Carl’s world. He cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities and events; it didn’t matter if it was sports related or some other activity he was happy to attend and it brought a smile to his face. Few things brought him more pride or happiness than being present for the people he loved.
A longtime member of Pleasant Grove Church, Carl faithfully served as a church trustee for 25 years. He was also a Mason and a member of Lafayette Lodge No. 79. His faith, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand were important parts of the life he lived.
In his free time, Carl was an avid fisherman who loved camping and treasured the many memories made at his family’s camping spot near Cambridge. He was also a talented and enthusiastic woodworker. Carl loved his tools and could often be found working with his hands, creating something new or tackling his next project.
Carl’s family will remember him as a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, a man of faith, a loyal friend, and someone who found joy in life’s simple pleasure, such as a fishing pole, a campsite, a favorite tool, a conversation with a friend, and time spent with family.
Carl is survived by his children, Wendy (Greg) Hunter, Robin (Matthew) Powell, and Brad (Lisa) Rector; five grandchildren, Amanda (Bill), Adam (Ashley), Drew, Ryan, Sarah, and Evan; and three great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Clara, and Harper. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Romine; as well as many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him.
In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his grandsons, Jeremiah and Donnie Binckley; his siblings, Louise Moore and Eugene Rector, and his sister-in-law, Kay Bottomley; as well as his sons-in-law, Greg Hunter and Matthew Powell.
Although Carl’s family will deeply feel his absence, they will carry forward a lifetime of memories and the example he set through his kindness, hard work, faith, and unwavering love for his family.