Mr. Jake Reginald “Reg” VanDevender, 83, died Friday July 27, 2012 at John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital in DeKalb with his beloved wife of 52 years at his side. Memorial services will be held Monday, July 30th, at 11:00 A.M. at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Ray Luke and Rev. Chris Gully officiating. Interment will be in Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery in Kemper County. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. VanDevender was born August 23, 1928 at home in Winston County with Dr. Kirk attending. He was the first of two sons born to Vardaman and Ernestine VanDevender. Mr. VanDevender accepted Christ as his Savior as a young man of 13 during revival services at Lynnville United Methodist Church in Kemper County. After graduating from Lynnville High School, he continued his education at East Mississippi Junior College. He proudly joined the United States Marine Corps and served honorably. Mr. VanDevender was a veteran of World War II. After discharge from the Marine Corps, he continued his service to his country as a member of the National Guard. He served as Postmaster of the Gholson Post Office in Gholson, MS. It was at the Gholson Post Office that he met the love of his life. As their young family grew, Mr. VanDevender transferred to the Louisville Post Office where he served as a rural letter carrier for Route 5 until his retirement. He was one of the organizing founders of the Preston Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. VanDevender was elected Commander of the Veterans of Foreign War, Post 5042 in DeKalb at the chartering meeting in 1994. He loved his country, and he was honored to have served in its military. He was a life-long supporter of the men and women who volunteered themselves in service to the United States. More than his country, he loved his family, and he committed his life to them. Mr. VanDevender lived a life of honor, humility, and integrity. He was an exceptional judge of character and possessed a unique sense of humor. He taught his children to stand up for right, lend a helping hand, and love and take care of family. His was a life well lived.
Mr. VanDevender was preceded in death by his parents, Vardaman and Ernestine Rosamond VanDevender; and his daughter, Regina Ann V. McBeth. He is survived by his wife, Ann Vernon VanDevender of Preston; sons Thomas (Kim) Vandevender of Marydell, and Barry (Amy) VanDevender of Preston; daughters Lisa Hines and Mary Nell (Paul) Woolery, both of Preston; brother Ed (Charlotte) VanDevender, also of Preston; grandchildren Samantha Melton, Caleb VanDevender, Baker Cooper, Alana McBeth, Jacob VanDevender, Cory Burton, Kate VanDevender, and Anna-Grace Woolery; great grandchildren Daisy Melton, Ridge Cooper, and Clover Melton; and beloved cousins Larry (Sandy) Simmons of DeRidder, LA and Gordon (Kathy) Simmons of Lake Charles, LA.
Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, www.vfw.org To sign the guestbook, please go to www.porterfuneralhome.net
