Billie W. Vanover Obituary (1937 - 2016)

Billie (Bill) Vanover was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, August 7, 2016. He passed away at the age of 79 at Beatrice Community Hospital. He was born July 29, 1937 to Morgan and Dorothy (Eads) Vanover at their home in Beatrice. He attended Beatrice High School graduating in 1956. On June 4, 1959 he married his high school sweetheart Joann L. Wherry at the West Side Baptist Church. This loving union was blessed with two girls Pamela in 1963 and Lori in 1969. He was a member of the Nebraska National Guard for seven years and Beatrice Volunteer Fire Department for 14 years. Was a member of the Beatrice Eagles Club, American Legion, and Lifetime Member of AMVETS. He was employed by Tote Systems in Beatrice for over 18 years. Billie then began working for Exmark Mfg., Inc. and purchased Beatrice Fire protection in 1983. In 1988 making the move to Springfield, MO he worked for Custom Metal Craft, and returned to Beatrice in 1997 where he remained until his death. As a teenager he taught himself how to play the guitar. He was a member of numerous dance bands throughout his years. At the time of his death he was a member of the Good News Band playing at nursing homes, churches and other local events. As a member of the West Side Baptist Church he served as a Deacon and Trustee. In his younger years he played baseball and Men's Fast Pitch Softball. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, telling jokes, and attending activities of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Joann, daughters Pam Ray (Jeff) of Wymore, Lori Wagers (Scott) of Diller; Six grandchildren, Tyler Ray (Liz), Ashley Weyers (Craig), Accassia Saathoff, Jayde Blythe (Travis), Trey Saathoff & Chance Earnhart; Six Great Grandchildren with the 7th on the way; Sister, Lois Bernadt; Sister In-Laws Carolyn Vanover and Barbara Wherry, many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents; In-Laws David & Hazel Wherry; brothers Richard and Jake; brother in-laws Larry Wherry & Jerry Wherry. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 11, 2016 at the West Side Baptist Church with Jon Palmquist officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery. The body will lie in state Wednesday from 10-9:00 PM at the Griffiths- Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 6:30-8:00 PM, and at the church one hour preceding the service on Thursday. A family prayer service will be held at 9:45 AM Thursday at the church. A memorial has been established to the church and for MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) Foundation with the funeral home in charge. Sign Billie's online guest book and watch his video tribute when completed at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.