Harry R. Vandever

Funeral services for Harry Rudolph Vandever will be held 10:30 AM Friday, March 1, 2013, at the Woodland Cemetery Chapel with Pastor Willis Morgan and Wesley Vandever officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Harry was born October 22, 1926, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. He was the son of Alvin Francis Monroe and Arlie Mae (Anthony) Vandever. As a young boy Harry moved with his parents to southeastern Oklahoma. Following the completion of his education at a young age Harry began working helping his parents provide for his family. He later moved to the Tanglewood area west of Sand Springs working on a farm for John Anderson. Harry was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Morgan on August 31, 1956, in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the couple established their initial home in Cleveland. They later moved to Skiatook where Harry gained employment on the Warren Ranch. A short time Harry and Bonnie moved to Marion, Kansas. Harry began working in the oil field and later returned to work for John Anderson in the Tanglewood area once again. During the construction of Keystone Lake, Harry began working as a truck driver for L.A. "Friday" Davis. Harry drove a truck for several years and was the last one to dump a load of dirt to mark the completion of Keystone Dam. From 1966 to 1968 Harry worked at Flynt Steel in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Harry and Bonnie then moved to Turley where Harry accepted employment with Dickson Concrete. In 1975, Harry began as a welders helper for Acme Machine Shop as well as for Barmack until 1982. In 1984, Harry started working at Tulsa Radiator where he worked until his retirement. Harry and Bonnie continued to live in Tulsa until 2003 when they returned to Cleveland, Oklahoma. Harry Rudolph Vandever went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Cleveland Manor Nursing Home at the age of 86 years, four months and two days. Harry enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, camping and hunting when he was younger. Later in life Harry began wood working and made picture frames and toys for his grandchildren. Harry was a hardworking, loving, loyal and strong willed man. He was very humorous and never wanted anyone to frown. Harry always put his family first and especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up. He was very proud that he was a good father, grandfather, great-grandfather and husband to Bonnie. Survivors are his wife, Bonnie of the home; two sons, Jimmy and his wife Becky Vandever of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Larry Vandever of Cleveland, Oklahoma; four daughters, Connie Collier of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Angela Vandever, Donna Vandever both of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Melissa Yochum of Cleveland, Oklahoma; nineteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three brothers, Marion Vandever of Claremore, Oklahoma, Oscar Vandever of Porter, Oklahoma, Wesley Vandever of Mt. Pleasant, Texas and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. In addition to his parents Harry was preceded in death by his five brothers, Albert Lee Vandever, Henry Vandever, Clarence Vandever, Kenneth Vandever, Floyd Vandever, one sister, Martha Ann Willis and one great grandchild Kylen Raye Vandever .