Rex Dean Rictor, age 84 of Ottawa, Kansas passed away February 3, 2026. Rex was born July 30, 1941 in Scott City, Kansas to parents Alvin Lee Rictor and Mary Ann Green Rictor. As a young man, Rex realized he had a call to the ministry and completed his seminary education. It was also during this time that he was united in marriage to Shirley Janette McIntire. They enjoyed many happy years together. Together they served Assembly of God Churches in Independence, Kansas; Eudora, Kansas; Williamstown, Kansas; Baldwin, Kansas; Edna, Kansas and St. John,. Kansas. Rex also spent six years as a traveling evangelist, working across the United States.
In addition to his vocation, Pastoring churches, Rex enjoyed horses, photography, golfing, working on cars, playing guitar and singing. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many acquaintances.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Twila and one brother, Derry. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; daughters, Rexanna Schneider and husband, James of Hayes, Kansas and Evonna James and husband, Rev. Ron James of Ottawa, Kansas; grandchildren, Jessica, April, Dustin and Amanda; great-grandchildren, Jason, Zaya, Gabriel, Ashton, Riley and Liam; sister, Marilyn Swisher; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Eudora Community Church. A second Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at First Assembly of God in Independence, Kansas. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence. Memorial donations in honor of Rex may be made to Shirley Rictor.
Rev Rex Rictor was a great minister and Brother-n-law he will be missed.
Rexanna, Rexanna, Rexanna, Rexanna
My husband and I attended his church in Perry Kansas. I always appreciated his messages and was blessed hearing his messages. My heart felt prayers are for Shirley and his family. May God hold you close and ease your pain.
Larry and I send our condolences to the family. He was a blessing to our lives. We pray for your peace.
Rex was our neighbor and he was so passionate in his faith that he had a huge cross on the property. He married my husband and I nearly 33 years ago in a simple service. He was a fine man of strong faith. I know he’ll be missed. Shirley and family, so sorry for your loss. God bless you and keep you.
Mike & Annie Annis
Pastor Rictor was more than just a Pastor to my husband and I. He was a friend, a mentor and a proud example of a Godly leader. He was always there when you needed him no matter what. He preached the unvarnished truths from the bible and if it bothered you well then you must have needed to hear it.To me he was my sidekick when it came to joking around no matter where we were. I will always think of him with love and laughter in my heart.
Reverend Rictor was a kind man and so much fun . His faith surpassed anything he went through . He married my husband and I , 35 yrs ago . He always said ,if you divorce , you owe me a million dollars! He reminded us that everytime we seen him. He made a profound impact on our lives with the speech during our wedding ceremony when he tore a dollar bill in half . It was an awesome way to explain how you become one as a couple once you are married . I will never forget him , as my husband and I adored him . He will truly be missed . Praying for peace and comfort for the family, and knowing he is in heaven , I bet he had the best welcome home hugs from God , his daughter Twila and many friends and family before him . My condolences to Shirley and the whole family .