LLOYD VANGILDER

LAMAR-Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Daniel Funeral Home for Lloyd Albert VanGilder, 85, Lamar, who died Friday, March 25, 2016, following a brief illness. Pastor Mark Garfield will officiate a graveside funeral service, immediately following visitation, at 11:15 a.m., at Lake Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Barton County Humane Society or Gideons International, both in care of the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include two sons, Larry VanGilder and wife Anita, Brighton and Robert VanGilder and wife Letha, Willard; two daughters, Patricia Higgins and husband Jim, Fayetteville, Ark. and Theresa Norris and husband John, Chouteau, Okla.; four sisters-in-law, Barbara Frank, Bonner Springs, Kan. and Irene, Dorothy and Wanda VanGilder, all of Carthage; nine grandchildren, Tim VanGilder, Kristina Lwali, Charity Quinn, Robert VanGilder, Jeff VanGilder, Carla Evans, Brian Beatty, Nathan Higgins and Casey Higgins and 31 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Marie Reinert and three brothers, Marvin, Charles and Jerry VanGilder.

Mr. VanGilder was born June 14, 1930, in Lamar, to J.T. and Opal (Reiley) VanGilder. His work ethic and sense of responsibility were evident throughout his life. He entered the U.S. Army in 1952, serving in Korea. He was a reliable and respected bus driver for the Lamar school system for more than 40 years. Many have appreciated the countless hours and meticulous attention he devoted to maintaining Lake Cemetery. After semi-retiring, he worked as a T.A.T.S. driver, quickly forming friendships with his many regular riders. He was an advocate for shelter rescue pets; the constant companionship of his dog and best friend, Harry, added much joy.

He married Mary Ellen Hale on July 23, 1964. She died Nov. 19, 2010.