William Ansell VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 4 Oct 1916 in Moultrie Co, IL. He died on 29 Nov 1990 in Effingham, Effingham Co, IL. He was buried in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Nellie Emeline WILSON on 6 Jul 1940 in St Louis, St Louis Co, MO.
Residences & events:
3/1/1944 Bill was inducted into the Army and became a pilot.
1948 He participated in a Memorial Day commemoration of all veterans by flying an aerial salute over the local cemeteries and dropping a wreath in the lake to honor those buried at sea.
1404 Lafayette, Mattoon, IL
Loxa, IL
Lake Mattoon, IL
From the pen of his sister, Dorisgene:
"(My son) Danny always thought he was Uncle Bill's favorite nephew. One day we were planning a drift fishing outing on Bill's float boat and Danny's job was to fill the cooler with beer. Man, it was hot and fishing wasn't so good, so what do you do? Drink beer! Bill went to the cooler but all he found was that old popular Billy Beer! Bill asked, "Is that all you brought?" Danny was shocked, he thought he had 'done good!' Wrong! Bill picked up the cooler and threw it in the lake, then took Danny back to shore and never again trusted him to bring the beer."
He was stricken with a massive heart attack while dining at a restaurant while dining with his wife and family.
Raising a family of policemen, the long funeral procession was led by both Illinois Secretary of State Police and Charleston Police cars. At the cemetery, uniformed police officers stood shoulder to shoulder, forming walls on either side of the walkway leading to the grave site.
Nellie Emeline WILSON was born on 13 Aug 1918. She married William Ansell VAN GUNDY on 6 Jul 1940 in St Louis, St Louis Co, MO.
They had the following children:
M i Marvin Wilson VAN GUNDY was born on 3 Mar 1941. He died on 13 Mar 1992. M ii Joseph Glen VAN GUNDY was born on 25 Oct 1942. M iii Nelson Earl VAN GUNDY was born on 12 Feb 1943 in Ames, Story Co, IA. He died on 8 Jun 1965 in Chu Lai, South Viet Nam. He was buried in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
He had served from 12/1/1961 to 6/8/1965 with Co K3 Bn 3 MAR DVI PH of the US Marines.
According to the communique reporting his death, he received "gunshot wounds in the chest from hostile forces while on patrol duty in the vicinity of Chu Lai, Republic of Viet Nam." He had been on duty in Viet Nam for only 2 months.
As the first Coles County casualty of the Viet Nam War, a memorial was erected in Peterson Park, Mattoon, consisting of a flag pole and a boulder bearing a plaque. The memorial was dedicated during a ceremony with addresses made by two congressmen who said the Earl had "given his ultimate for the freedom we enjoy." There were several
newspaper articles detailing those final events.
The funeral was held at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral home in Mattoon with Rev Earl O'Neal officiating and full military graveside rites.F iv Constance Sue "Connie" VAN GUNDY was born on 23 Oct 1951. F v Carolyn Lou VAN GUNDY was born on 23 Oct 1951. She died on 23 Oct 1951 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She was buried in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
Carolyn was a twin to Constance.F vi Mildred Jean "Millie" VAN GUNDY was born on 17 Nov 1954. M vii Harold William VAN GUNDY was born on 30 Jun 1958.
Robert Earl VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 29 Jun 1918 in Morocco, Newton Co, IN. He died on 3 Oct 1986 in Rock Hill, SC. He married Una Mae MELTON on 15 Apr 1944 in Gaffney, SC.
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 1944Mrs. R.E. Vangundy
Fone County 7515
Route 1
Humboldt IllMother 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 IllRegret 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.
The cause of death was a heart attack.
Una Mae MELTON was born on 18 Jul 1917 in Cliffside, NC. She married Robert Earl VAN GUNDY on 15 Apr 1944 in Gaffney, SC.
They had the following children:
F i Patricia Lea VAN GUNDY was born on 5 May 1946. F ii Sandra Lynn VAN GUNDY was born on 6 Jan 1948. M iii Robert Daniel VAN GUNDY was born on 29 Jan 1954.
Harry Fay "Bud" PARKISON was born on 12 Jun 1917 in Pana, Christian Co, IL. He died on 8 Dec 1976 in Pana, Christian Co, IL. He was buried in Linwood Cem, Pana, Christian Co, IL. He married Ella Carrie VAN GUNDY on 28 Nov 1938 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL at home, 1612 Prairie. The marriage ended in divorce.
He was inducted into US Army on 6/1945 and discharged 11/1945.
Harry's funeral was held on a Saturday at 2 PM at Stumpf Funeral Home
with Rev Dallas Nickel, of the Tower Hill Christian Church,
officiating. Pallbearers included: Sons, Richard and Stan, and
son-in-law, Bennie Dent.
Ella Carrie VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 18 Apr 1921 in Morocco, Newton Co, IN. She died on 21 Oct 1997 in Decatur, Macon Co, IL. She was buried on 24 Oct 1997 in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Harry Fay "Bud" PARKISON on 28 Nov 1938 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL at home, 1612 Prairie. The marriage ended in divorce.
Other marriages:NIHISER, Louis, Jr
Stewart, Roy
Ella was a candle lighter for her sister, June's, wedding.
Ella's funeral was held at the First Christian Church on Friday with Rev Robert Clark officiating. Grandson, Don Parkison, sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" then was joined by wife, Karen, on "Oh, That Will be Glory For Me." Pallbearers were: son, Stan Parkison; son-in-law, Benny Dent; grandsons, Allan Parkison, David and Chris Dent, and Roger Rawlings. Honorary pallbearers were: cousins, Dan and David Van Gundy; grandsons, Don Parkison and Shawn Towle; nephew, Steve Henderson; and Roy "Chappy" Chaplin.
They had the following children:
M i Donald Wayne PARKISON was born on 24 Apr 1940 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He died on 7 Jul 1961 in Claxton, GA. He was buried in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
Wayne served in the US Army from 9/1957 to 7/7/1961.
His death was the result of injuries received in a jeep accident while in the Army in Germany.
The funeral held at the First Christian Church of Mattoon with Dr Mont Massey officiating.M ii Richard Harry PARKISON was born on 12 Jun 1941. He died on 2 Dec 1978. M iii Arthur Earl PARKISON was born on 9 Jul 1943. F iv Linda Gail PARKISON was born on 12 Jul 1944. M v Stanley Joe PARKISON was born on 16 Nov 1945.
Louis, Jr NIHISER was born on 3 Nov 1918. He died on 13 Dec 1982 in Urbana, Champaign Co, IL, Carle Hospital. He was buried in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Ella Carrie VAN GUNDY.
Ella Carrie VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 18 Apr 1921 in Morocco, Newton Co, IN. She died on 21 Oct 1997 in Decatur, Macon Co, IL. She was buried on 24 Oct 1997 in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Louis, Jr NIHISER.
Other marriages:PARKISON, Harry Fay "Bud"
Stewart, Roy
Ella was a candle lighter for her sister, June's, wedding.
Ella's funeral was held at the First Christian Church on Friday with Rev Robert Clark officiating. Grandson, Don Parkison, sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" then was joined by wife, Karen, on "Oh, That Will be Glory For Me." Pallbearers were: son, Stan Parkison; son-in-law, Benny Dent; grandsons, Allan Parkison, David and Chris Dent, and Roger Rawlings. Honorary pallbearers were: cousins, Dan and David Van Gundy; grandsons, Don Parkison and Shawn Towle; nephew, Steve Henderson; and Roy "Chappy" Chaplin.
Roy Stewart.Roy married Ella Carrie VAN GUNDY.
Although Ella and Roy never married, everyone thought they were because they were constant companions and he was totally devoted to her.
Ella Carrie VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 18 Apr 1921 in Morocco, Newton Co, IN. She died on 21 Oct 1997 in Decatur, Macon Co, IL. She was buried on 24 Oct 1997 in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Roy Stewart.
Other marriages:PARKISON, Harry Fay "Bud"
NIHISER, Louis, Jr
Ella was a candle lighter for her sister, June's, wedding.
Ella's funeral was held at the First Christian Church on Friday with Rev Robert Clark officiating. Grandson, Don Parkison, sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" then was joined by wife, Karen, on "Oh, That Will be Glory For Me." Pallbearers were: son, Stan Parkison; son-in-law, Benny Dent; grandsons, Allan Parkison, David and Chris Dent, and Roger Rawlings. Honorary pallbearers were: cousins, Dan and David Van Gundy; grandsons, Don Parkison and Shawn Towle; nephew, Steve Henderson; and Roy "Chappy" Chaplin.
Warren Harold ARTHUR [Parents] was born on 20 Dec 1920 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Eva Maxine VAN GUNDY on 5 Sep 1942 in St Charles, MO.
He held various jobs throughout his life including bread route salesman, but ended up as a farmer. Following retirement he became a chauffer to the Amish, taking them on local errands as well as trips around the US.
He and Maxine now own a bed and breakfast called Curly's Corner (a play on words considering Warren is completely bald) in the heart of Amish land near the tourist attraction of Rockome Gardens, Arcola, IL.
Eva Maxine VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 26 Jan 1925 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, at 1100 Bway. She married Warren Harold ARTHUR on 5 Sep 1942 in St Charles, MO.
They had the following children:
F i Georgiann ARTHUR was born on 5 Oct 1944. She died on 5 Oct 1944. She was buried in Dodge Grove Cem, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
She was stillborn.F ii Billijean ARTHUR was born on 28 Sep 1945. F iii Kay Lynn ARTHUR was born on 19 May 1946. F iv Mary Kathryn ARTHUR was born on 21 Aug 1952. M v Warren Jay ARTHUR was born on 11 Apr 1967.
Earl Edward "Abie" FITT was born on 25 Dec 1924 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Wilma June VAN GUNDY on 27 Oct 1946 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Christian Church by Dr A Mont Massey. Earl resided.
Residences & events in his life:
Mattoon, IL.
4/1/1943 He was inducted into the US Army at Peoria, IL, 4/1/1943 and
served until 11/29/1945, being discharged at Rantoul. During his
service career he was an airplane and engine mechanic, earning the
distinction of being an M1 sharpshooter on 6/3/1944. He was in
northern France, Rhineland, and central Europe, earning 3 bronze stars
and a Victory Medal along the way.1946 Decatur, Macon Co, IL. When he and June married, he was working
as a carpenter there and stayed for about 1 1/2 more years before
quitting to start working on the railroad.1948 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. Moving to work on the railroad brought
them back home.4/10/1961 He received extensive burns while at work and was
hospitalized for 10 wks.12/1982 Earl retired from the New York Central railroad where he had
worked for over 30 years.
Wilma June VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 6 Jun 1927 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She married Earl Edward "Abie" FITT on 27 Oct 1946 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Christian Church by Dr A Mont Massey.
As a youngster, the family called her "Maggot" because she nearly drowned when she fell into the outdoor privy.
During high school, she missed several months school because of a basketball injury while her brother, Jack, was double promoted. This caused them to graduate the same year, June at mid-term, Jack in the spring of 1946.
Later, after having a family, she decided she also needed a career. She received a practical nursing scholarship from the Mattoon Jaycee-ettes and graduated from nursing school in June 1965.
Some insight into June and Earl's personalities may be gained by the following story as related by her sister, Dorisgene:
"One year while we lived in the country at Neoga, we had a party...even had a band. It was getting late in the evening and Earl wanted to go home but June wasn't ready to leave. Still later he wanted to go but again, June wouldn't. Finally, he said, 'OK, I'll just walk home!' We all thought, sure he will, it's 13 miles to town and another 3 to their house! Well, there goes Abie down the lane....and he didn't come back! We all tried to give him a lift, even the sheriff tried as he passed by. Abie's response was, 'No!! I said I'm walking home, and I'm walking home!' The next morning when we checked on both of them, Abie had stopped at the railroad shop (where he worked) to rest, and June was home asleep! No one ever questioned whether Abie could walk home again."
They had the following children:
M i Duane Earl FITT was born on 29 Sep 1951. He died on 9 Sep 1988. M ii Dwight William FITT was born on 12 Mar 1955. M iii Mark David FITT was born on 14 Jan 1960.
John Louis "Jack" or "Derby" VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 24 Feb 1929 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, at 1412 Moultrie. He married Anne Therese MARTIN on 5 May 1951 in Chicago, Cook Co, IL, St Bartholomew's Catholic Church.
Other marriages:VanLaningham, Louise Gerturde
Residences & events in his life:
Mattoon, IL. In his high school years, he was double promoted causing him to graduate the same year as sister, June. She graduated mid-term, Jack in the spring of 1946.
6/26/1946 He was inducted into the US Navy and discharged 4/24/1948.
1951 Peoria, IL. Both Jack and Ann worked at the Home Insurance Company when they met and married.
DeKalb, IL. Jack lived nearly all his adult life in the Chicago area as an insurance broker and underwriter.
1996 Neoga, IL. Returning to the slower pace of downstate and to be nearer siblings, Jack moved within a few months after his wife died.
Sister, Doris, related one unique relationship between her family and Jack's:
"Family reunions were a big event every year and for several years Jack, Ann, and the family spent that week-end with us. The boys slept in the dump trucks and we settled Ann down with a glass of wine while boning the turkey. I always wondered if that was why, in later years, she quit coming!"
Anne Therese MARTIN was born on 11 Apr 1931 in Chicago, Cook Co, IL. She died on 1 Mar 1996 in DeKalb, IL, at home. She was buried in Sep in DeKalb, IL. She married John Louis "Jack" or "Derby" VAN GUNDY on 5 May 1951 in Chicago, Cook Co, IL, St Bartholomew's Catholic Church.
Her death was the result of metastatic lung cancer.
The funeral mass was held at St Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Karl
Ganss officiating. A spiritual wake was held at the funeral home the
night before.
They had the following children:
F i Shirley Anne VAN GUNDY was born on 5 Apr 1952. M ii John Louis, Jr VAN GUNDY was born on 17 Apr 1954. M iii Anthony Gilbert VAN GUNDY was born on 16 Apr 1958. M iv Thomas Bryan VAN GUNDY was born on 7 Feb 1962.
John Louis "Jack" or "Derby" VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 24 Feb 1929 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, at 1412 Moultrie. He married Louise Gerturde VanLaningham.
Other marriages:MARTIN, Anne Therese
Residences & events in his life:
Mattoon, IL. In his high school years, he was double promoted causing him to graduate the same year as sister, June. She graduated mid-term, Jack in the spring of 1946.
6/26/1946 He was inducted into the US Navy and discharged 4/24/1948.
1951 Peoria, IL. Both Jack and Ann worked at the Home Insurance Company when they met and married.
DeKalb, IL. Jack lived nearly all his adult life in the Chicago area as an insurance broker and underwriter.
1996 Neoga, IL. Returning to the slower pace of downstate and to be nearer siblings, Jack moved within a few months after his wife died.
Sister, Doris, related one unique relationship between her family and Jack's:
"Family reunions were a big event every year and for several years Jack, Ann, and the family spent that week-end with us. The boys slept in the dump trucks and we settled Ann down with a glass of wine while boning the turkey. I always wondered if that was why, in later years, she quit coming!"
Louise Gerturde VanLaningham was born in 1931 in IL. She married John Louis "Jack" or "Derby" VAN GUNDY.
Fred Harlan HENDERSON was born on 17 Feb 1928. He died on 25 May 1988 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Pauline Elizabeth "Paud" VAN GUNDY on 28 Feb 1952 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Christian Church.
Pauline Elizabeth "Paud" VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 10 Dec 1930 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, at 1612 Prairie. She died on 20 Jun 1997 in Tower Hill, Christian Co, IL. She was buried on 24 Jun 1997 in Windsor Cem, Windsor, Shelby Co, IL. She married Fred Harlan HENDERSON on 28 Feb 1952 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL, First Christian Church.
Other marriages:Hendrix, Ferrell Dale
She was maid of honor for the wedding of her sister, June.
Sister, Doris, told of Pauline's ingenuity in getting the job done:
"Our kids always liked to go to Aunt Paud's house. She was an excellent cook, and everyone just 'did their own thing.' One day Paud was mashing potatoes when her mixer quit. She went to the garage, returned with Fred's drill, and finished mashing the potatoes. Were the kids impressed!"
The funeral was held at the First Christian Church, Mattoon, IL, with Rev Rbt Clark officiating.
They had the following children:
M i Ronald Steven HENDERSON was born on 20 Dec 1952. F ii Peggy Sue HENDERSON was born on 5 Sep 1955. M iii John David HENDERSON was born on 29 Sep 1956 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He died on 1 Sep 1973 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He was buried in Windsor Cem, Windsor, Shelby Co, IL.
He was killed instantly in a one car accident.
His funeral was held at the First Baptist Churh of Mattoon with Rev
Roger Compton officiating. Among the pallbearers were cousins, Duane
and Dwight Fitt, Danny and Van Webb, and Jack Van Gundy, Jr. Honorary
pallbearers included more cousins, Randy Decker, Harold and Tony Van
Gundy, Mark Fitt, Matt Webb, and Chris Dent.F iv Karen Maxine HENDERSON was born on 28 Feb 1958. M v Timothy Ray HENDERSON was born on 10 Jan 1960. F vi Patricia Marie "Trish" HENDERSON was born on 20 Jul 1961.