Notes for Robert Earl VAN GUNDY

VanGundy Family Tree


	Researched and Compiled by: Jane Van Gundy Published to the Web by: B.J. Van Gundy Send email to B.J. VanGundy: bj@vangundy.net Created with GEDPage Version 2.20 VANGUNDY Project July 2, 2002
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Notes for Robert Earl VAN GUNDY

In his father's journal, he was referred to as REV, Jr.

Daughter, Pat, in her "Gifts of Our Heritage" holds dear the bequestfrom her parents:

"Daddy was a big teddy bear of a man with a twinkling eye, a readylaugh, and a comforting hug. He and Mother met when he was in theArmy and stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. An Army buddy ofDaddy's, who was also a friend of Mother's, introduced them; and theyhad their first date on July 4, 1942. Even though they were takenwith each other right away, it would be two years before they weremarried. After only two weeks of marriage, Daddy had to leave for theEast Coast which was all he was allowd to tell. Mother would not knowuntil much later that he had been sent to England, then 30 days afterD-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 weknew that no matter what, we were loved and cared for. They taught usto love and care about not just family, but also others; to have funand enjoy the things of today; to have a sense of responsibility andduty. These were not things talked about but were lived out in theirdaily lives and handed down to them from their parents.

As beneficial as all the gifts are, the most important one was givenat a very early age. My earliest memories are of sitting on Mother'slap and looking at the beautiful and mysterious pictures in her Bible;hearing Daddy ask God's blessing on our meals; bedtime prayers, andsitting in church with Mother and Daddy. This love of Jesus Christand enjoyment of the things of God which they imparted made me want tobelong to Him and to want my life to be in His. Belonging to JesusChrist ensures not only strength and guidance for today but also givesus the calm assurance that one day we will be united with our heavenlyFather and reunited with Daddy, Grandma, and the others who have gonebefore us.

Our parents leave us many things. They are part and parcel of who weare. If we are blessed, then we are grateful to pass on such a legacyas 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 InfDiv of the US Army rising to the rank of Sgt.

Among his mother's cherished photos and memorabilia was a telegram hesent. 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 wasan note added to the bottom: "Could not get any body to answer atfone county 7515, January 31 1944."

Bob served in England and also fought with Patton's army throughFrance, being wounded near the German border on 11/10/1944. Hismother 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. VanGundy was slightly wounded in action ten November in France you willbe 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 remembranceof his injury: "Pfc. Robert E. VanGundy, a former resident of thiscity, has arrived at Welch Convalescent Hospital at Daytona Beach,Fla, after serving nine months in the European theater of war, wherehe was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat. He hasthree brothers serving in the armed forces."

6/1952 Charlotte, NC, where he worked as a US Mail Clerk, waspromoted to Supervisor in 1968 and retired on 5/10/1976.

10/1981 Lake Lure, NC. He moved to the lake for the last years ofhis life.
The cause of death was a heart attack.

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