OBITUARY ON DEATH OF C.L.VANDEVANDER

There are times that come in the lives of people no matter how old we may be, how well educated, or what our experiences have been, we stand abashed, helpless and stunned in the presence of God and the people. Such was the case when news came of the death of Charles Lee Vandevander, the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Vandevander was born September 18, 1875, and died due to a heart attack August 21, 1946. He was 70 years, 11 months and three days old at the time of his death.

He was born on the Sylvanus Phares farm, a mile north of Circleville, which is now known as the
Owen-Harper farm. He was deprived of a mother in early life and was left in the care of two aunts, Sallie and Rebecca Phares, with who he resided until he grew to manhood.

He was educated in the Circleville public school, and being a person of much common sense and a personality, he soon was known far beyond the borders of community in which he lived. He was active in all sports of his time. He excelled in horseback riding and was known throughout Potomac Valley as a knight-er-rant who rode at the tournaments which was the greatest sport at that time.

Mr. Vandevander married Nancy Mauzy, and to them were born (that lived) two children, Foster, who gave his life for his country in the World War, and whose remains are in Arlington National cemetery, Washington; and Bessie Lee, wife of Leslie E. Thompson, who resides in Charleston, where he was stricken.

He is survived by his wife and daughter, Mrs. Leslie E. Thompson, and two children. Three brothers
and two sisters also survive: John and William, of Elkins; Richard, of Circleville; Mary Sponaugle, also, of Circleville; and Ann Bland, Franklin, besides a host of more distant relatives and friends.

He served his native county as a justice, deputy assessor, assessor, and deputy sheriff. It could well be said of him that he was a friend to the needy and loyal to his friends. In his passing there is a void that cannot be filled, for his checkered life can only be likened unto the stormy petrel. Life is an experience and its fullness is rounded out by the extent of the experience.

It was my privilege to know him for many years. I never knew a man in the course of life, enjoyed more exaltation or drank more deeply of the cup of sorrow.

He is burried in Cedar Hill Cememtery at Franklin. The officiating minsters were W. R. Moyer for the service at the Wilson Funeral Home in Charleston, and the Rev. E. W. Fike at Franklin. May he rest in peace in his native land and among the people whom he served so well.
(submitted by )W. S. D.