G. Vandiver

G. Ralph Vandiver

Age 72 of Wilmington, passed away Saturday November 22, 2014 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born July 18, 1942 in Henderson, Kentucky, George Ralph was a son of the late Will Tom and Bertie Kathryn (Sowards) Vandiver. He was raised in Kentucky and graduated from Madisonville High School with the Class of 1960. On August 16, 1964, Ralph married Doris June Thompson in Camden Point, Missouri and she survives. Ralph honorably served in the United States Air Force and retired as a Sr. Master Sergeant. He earned his Associates Degree in Business Administration from Joliet Junior College; worked in Environmental Services at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet for 20 years, and also owned and operated Blue Ribbon Cleaning Service. Ralph was an active member of First Christian Church in Wilmington, where he formerly served as Deacon, Elder and Treasurer. He was a volunteer at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood and also served on the Memorial Squad. In his free time Ralph was an intarsia woodworker.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years: Doris; daughters: Michelle Vandiver of Bismarck, Illinois and Cheryl (Kevin) McElroy of Hudsonville, Michigan; grandchildren: Jacob McElroy, Austin McElroy and Kayla McElroy, and brothers: Tom (Ellen) Vandiver of Paducah, Kentucky and Garland (Ann) Vandiver of Henderson, Kentucky.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation and video tribute will be held Tuesday November 25, 2014 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Wednesday morning November 26th at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Dallas Henry from First Christian Church officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ralph's memory to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421 or to First Christian Church, 1824 Church Street, Wilmington, IL 60481.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)