|
|
516. Robert Earl8 VAN GUNDY (Robert Elmer7, Daniel William6, John5, David Jr4, David Sr3, Peter Sr2, Male1) was born in Morocco, Newton Co, IN June 29, 1918. Robert died October 3, 1986 in Rock Hill, SC, at 68 years of age. He married Una Mae MELTON in Gaffney, SC, April 15, 1944. Una was born in Cliffside, NC July 18, 1917. At 28 years of age Una became the mother of Patricia Lea VAN GUNDY in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, May 5, 1946. At 30 years of age Una became the mother of Sandra Lynn VAN GUNDY in Chicago, Cook Co, IL, January 6, 1948. At 36 years of age Una became the mother of Robert Daniel VAN GUNDY in Charlotte, NC, January 29, 1954. At 27 years of age Robert became the father of Patricia Lea VAN GUNDY in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, May 5, 1946. At 29 years of age Robert became the father of Sandra Lynn VAN GUNDY in Chicago, Cook Co, IL, January 6, 1948. At 35 years of age Robert became the father of Robert Daniel VAN GUNDY in Charlotte, NC, January 29, 1954. In his father's journal, he was referred to as REV, Jr. Daughter, Pat, in her "Gifts of Our Heritage" holds dear the bequest from her parents: "Daddy was a big teddy bear of a man with a twinkling eye, a ready laugh, and a comforting hug. He and Mother met when he was in the Army and stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. An Army buddy of Daddy's, who was also a friend of Mother's, introduced them; and they had their first date on July 4, 1942. Even though they were taken with each other right away, it would be two years before they were married. After only two weeks of marriage, Daddy had to leave for the East Coast which was all he was allowd to tell. Mother would not know until much later that he had been sent to England, then 30 days after D-Day he landed on the Normandy Coast of France. Our legacy is not one of material possessions. It is one of love, security, and friendship. Our parents were always there for us and we knew that no matter what, we were loved and cared for. They taught us to love and care about not just family, but also others; to have fun and enjoy the things of today; to have a sense of responsibility and duty. These were not things talked about but were lived out in their daily lives and handed down to them from their parents. As beneficial as all the gifts are, the most important one was given at a very early age. My earliest memories are of sitting on Mother's lap and looking at the beautiful and mysterious pictures in her Bible; hearing Daddy ask God's blessing on our meals; bedtime prayers, and sitting in church with Mother and Daddy. This love of Jesus Christ and enjoyment of the things of God which they imparted made me want to belong to Him and to want my life to be in His. Belonging to Jesus Christ ensures not only strength and guidance for today but also gives us the calm assurance that one day we will be united with our heavenly Father and reunited with Daddy, Grandma, and the others who have gone before us. Our parents leave us many things. They are part and parcel of who we are. If we are blessed, then we are grateful to pass on such a legacy as has been given to us." Residences & events in Bob's life: Mattoon, IL. He served from 9/25/1940 to 7/22/1945 in the 35th Inf Div of the US Army rising to the rank of Sgt. Among his mother's cherished photos and memorabilia was a telegram he sent. It simply stated: "Ck 4 Biloxi Miss January 31 1944 Mrs. R.E. Vangundy Fone County 7515 Route 1 Humboldt Ill Mother I love you. Your son, 858 An?" Apparently the first attempt to deliver was unsuccessful as there was an note added to the bottom: "Could not get any body to answer at fone county 7515, January 31 1944." Bob served in England and also fought with Patton's army through France, being wounded near the German border on 11/10/1944. His mother received another telegram: "Mrs Edna Van Gundy Rural Free Delivery Number 1 Humboldt Ill Regret to inform you your son Private First Class Robert E. Van Gundy was slightly wounded in action ten November in France you will be advised as reports of condition are received. Witsell Acting, The Adjutant General" Fortunately, he fully recovered from his wounds. In the "50 Years Ago Today" column of the newspaper was a remembrance of his injury: "Pfc. Robert E. VanGundy, a former resident of this city, has arrived at Welch Convalescent Hospital at Daytona Beach, Fla, after serving nine months in the European theater of war, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat. He has three brothers serving in the armed forces." 6/1952 Charlotte, NC, where he worked as a US Mail Clerk, was promoted to Supervisor in 1968 and retired on 5/10/1976. 10/1981 Lake Lure, NC. He moved to the lake for the last years of his life. Robert Earl VAN GUNDY and Una Mae MELTON had the following children:
|
+
581
i.
Send email to preparer: 
Return to 
Go to Next Page
Go to Previous Page|
|
