Kenneth Merle Vandever

Kenneth Merle Vandever better known to his family and friends as ìRedî was born November 1, 1924 in Barnsdall, Oklahoma. He was the son Alvin and Arlie (Anthony) Vandever. As a young man Red grew up in Barnsdall and later moved with his family to Osage, Oklahoma. After he completed his education Red began working as a cowboy for the Drummonds in Osage County. He later started working for Clifford Branch as well as Fred Minix for several years. On September 28, 1950, Red entered into the service of his country with the United States Army during the Korean War. He served his time in Germany with Company ìDî 8th Infantry Regiment a part of the United State European Command. They provided a "unified command and authority" over all U.S. forces in Europe for several years after World War II. In June of 1950 the United States and its allies were jolted into action by the surprise attack on South Korea by Communist North Korea. The U.S. continued to defend Korea, but simultaneously sent massive reinforcements to Europe to deter the Soviet Union from similar aggression there. On September 3, 1952, Red was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and received the follow medal: Army Occupation Medal in Germany. Red returned to Cleveland, Oklahoma and was later united in marriage to Ruth Marscine Willard on March 1, 1953 at the Assembly of God Church parsonage. The couple established their home in Cleveland where they have continued to reside. After their marriage Red began working for Carl Carnes at Osage Oil. Several years later in 1967, Red gained employment at National Tank in Sand Springs. He later worked for Flint Steel and then accepted a position with the City of Cleveland. Red worked for the City of Cleveland until they relinquished his position to TNR Refuse. Red was then hired by TNR where he worked until his retirement. Mr. Vandever loved animals. He would often spend countless hours watching the birds and squirrels; feeding and playing at his home. During the time his children were home, it was said that he had a ìfewî rabbits as well as chickens, cattle and pigs. When Red was a young man he took the hobby of whittling. He would always make someone a cowboy boot with his talent. Red was always approachable even young children would come up to Red and just start talking. This would allow him to do what he loved and that was to tell stories. On numerous occasions Red would talk about the time he spent in Germany while he was in the military. Red had a big heart he would always stop to help someone stranded on the road no matter what the occasion. Most of all Red cherished the time spent with his family that was his biggest love in life. Red Vandever passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the Cleveland Area Hospital at the age of 84 years old. Survivors include his wife of over 56 years Ruth of the home, six children Merla Ruth Pittman of Denton, Texas, Kenneth Merle Vandever, Jr. and his wife Charlotte R. of Terlton, Oklahoma, Steven McKinley Vandever and his wife Leslie Ann of Camino, California, Marcia Dee Vandever of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, John Monroe Vandever and his wife Carrie Ann of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Molly Jane Vandever of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; five brothers, Marion Vandever of Claremore, Oklahoma, Harry and Bonnie Vandever of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Oscar and Mary Ann Vandever of Porter, Oklahoma, Wesley and Oleta Vandever of Mount Pleasant, Texas, Floyd and Judy Vandever of Kansas, Oklahoma; six grandchildren Patrick, Nathan, Crystal, Kendall, Cary, Heather; one great grandson Vincent as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Arlie Mae (Anthony) Vandever, father Alvin Monroe Vandever, two brothers Henry Vandever and Clarence Vandever, one sister Martha Ann Willis. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in the Sanctuary of the First Assembly of God in Cleveland, Oklahoma with Pastor Dan Edens officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.