Ralph Vandaveer, Jr.

W. RALPH VANDAVEER, JR. W. Ralph Vandaveer, Jr., 84, of Neodesha, Kansas passed away, Saturday, January 22, 2005 at the Golden Keys Nursing Home in Neodesha, Kansas. W. Ralph Vandaveer, Jr. was born in Rural Neodesha, Kansas on October 15, 1920 to Walter Ralph and Annis Melinda Foster Vandaveer. He was raised and educated in Neodesha where he graduated from Neodesha High School in 1937. He also received his Associates Degree at a business college in Wichita. On October 17, 1941, Ralph married Wilma LaRene McClure in Wichita, Kansas. They made their home in Neodesha. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II serving in the European Theater. He worked as a fireman in Wichita and later worked as an accountant for Phillips Petroleum Co. in Bartlesville, Okalhoma. In 1956, they returned to Neodesha where he farmed and ranched. Wilma preceded Ralph in death on November 23, 2002. He was a life member of the V. F.W. Post 5962, Neodesha, Kansas. Ralph is survived by one son, W. Ralph Vandaveer, III of St. Petersburg, Florida; two daughters, Sharon Rolof of Holiday Island, Arkansas and Vicki Braden of Neodesha, Kansas; one sister, Shirley Marie Grabner of Munster, Indiana; eight grandchildren; and fifteen great grandchildren. Cremation will take place under the direction of the Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel. Memorial services for W. Ralph Vandaveer, Jr. will be held Thursday, January 27, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Christ Church with Pastor Dave Cheshier officiating. His register book will be available to sign at the Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and Wednesday. The family has requested memorial contributions to the Golden Keys Nursing Home. Memorials may be left with the funeral home.