Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Bennie E. Vandaveer
Dec 16th, 1938 - Jan 23rd, 2025Bennie Earl Vandaveer, age 86, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday evening, January 23, 2025.
He was born December 16, 1938, in Mt. Erie, Illinois, the son of Clyde and Mamie (Chapman) Vandaveer. He was united in marriage to Barbara Darlene McGrew on June 5, 1960, at the Willow Branch Church in Wayne County, and they have shared 64 wonderful years together.
Bennie was a graduate of Cisne High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed aboard the USS J.P. Kennedy. He proudly served his Country from 1955-1959. A lifelong farmer, Bennie found great joy in raising cattle. Over the years, he also worked as a Foreman at Valley Steel and as a school bus driver for Flora CUSD #35. Bennie was well-known throughout the community for his unwavering faith in his Lord & Savior, his deep love for his country, and his devotion to “his girls” - Barbara, Tammy, Renee, and Robin. In his younger days, he could often be seen driving a blue Chevrolet pickup truck with “B&B Vandaveer & Daughters” proudly displayed on the door. Travel was another joy in Bennie’s life, and he cherished the many trips he shared with his beloved wife, whom he affectionately called “Mom,” and their daughters. He was a dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church in Flora, where his faith and love for his family were central to his life. Bennie’s greatest pride and joy was his family, and he took comfort in knowing that his legacy would live on through them.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara Vandaveer of Flora; 3 daughters: Tammy Santiago of Anderson, Indiana, Renee Vandaveer (special friend Sheila Terrell) of Flora; and Robin (Don) Brooks of Rinard; 3 grandchildren: David (Alisha) Brooks of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Bethany (Jake) Tannahill of Cisne, and Lydia Santiago (Marco Vaughn) of Indianapolis, Indiana; 5 great-grandchildren: Trylan and Gwen (Sissy) Brooks both of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Duke and Ronen Tannahill of Cisne, and Kingston Santiago Vaughn of Indianapolis, Indiana – who knew him best as “PaPa Van”; a sister: Shirley Caldwell of Mitchell; 2 brothers: Bill Vandaveer of Sebastian, Florida and Bernie Vandaveer of St. Louis, Missouri; a sister-in-law: Jerry Williams; a brother-in-law: Larry (Becky) McGrew; and several nieces and nephews whom he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Bob Vandaveer; 3 sisters: Mary Shaw, Ruth Woolridge, and Joyce Vandaveer; and a son-in-law: Reverend Benjamin Santiago.
A funeral ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Flora, along with the presentation of military funeral honors. Burial will follow in Willow Branch Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Memorial donations are suggested to The Salvation Army, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com