VANOVER, SR., Robert M.

Willcox Range News, Willcox, Arizona Tuesday, April 23, 2013 Robert M. Vanover Sr. 1925-2013 Robert M. Vanover Sr. went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven on April 3, 2013. Robert M. Vanover Sr. was born on Sept. 3, 1925 to Riley M. and Inez E. Vanover in Paw Paw, Ky., and moved to Tucson, Ariz. in 1926. The army accepted him in 1944 and he served until 1946. He served in New Guinea, the Philippines and was with the expendable troops in Japanese waters when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On Feb. 24, 1946, he married Wanda Smith after just one date before being sent overseas to serve in the war. They were married in Gardena, Calif., and spent the rest of their beloved life together. After several attempts to share their love with babies, on Feb. 9, 1959 they proudly adopted Nancy Jane Vanover. Then, by the grace of God, Robert M. Jr. and Riley T. (twins) were born. Riley died after only two days and is buried next to his grandmother. Robert will be buried next to his mother Inez E. Vanover and his father Riley M. Vanover. Robert’s sister Connie McCollough is also next to them. God has graced both Robert and Wanda with Nancy Jane Vanover-Denee (Bob); a live twin Robert Vanover (Shanon) both of Mesa, Ariz.; and George Vanover (Terrie) of Willcox. Twelve grandchildren, numerous great and great-great grandchildren also survive him. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters; Lenore Bowers, Donald Vanover, David (Anne) Vanover, Susan (Bill) Crosby and Edward (Diane) Vanover. With the Lord in heaven are Connie (Ed) McCollough and Ronald (Julie) Vanover. Robert (Bob) excelled at all kinds of work including farming, mining, machine repair, building and repairing houses. He also wired all the homes down the San Pedro River Valley when main electric lines came in the late ‘50’s, and did bulldozer work. Graveside services were held at Southlawn Cemetery on April 6, 2013. You may express condolences to the family at www.westlawnchapelmortuary.com. Services entrusted to Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory.