Gary Warrer Vandyne

Gary Warner VanDyne, of Centerville, IA, left this earth June 29, 2013, at the age 71, for his place of fascination, the heavens.

Warner and Ruby (Medlin) VanDyne forded a rain-swollen creek northwest of Unionville, MO, to reach St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville, IA, where Gary was born July 31, 1941.

Gary graduated from Unionville High School in 1959. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1961 to 1966 at Aviano Air Base in Italy. His experiences there gave him a deep understanding of world cultures and he enjoyed sharing that with everyone. He attended Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) and transferred to Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State) earning both B.A. and M. A. degrees. He worked with returning Vietnam War veterans for INCC from 1973 to 1980 and for 23 years an outside sales person for Baily Office Supply. He was proud of his assistance to the veterans and service to his customers.

Gary is survived by his wife Caroll, whom he married in Ottumwa, IA, on June 28, 2007; his father, Warner, of Unionville, MO, sister, Sonja Hawkins of Springfield, MO; brother Donald VanDyne, of Columbia, MO; three nieces and two nephews. Preceding him in death was his mother, Ruby.

Gary told his doctors that he’d seen heaven once and didn’t wish to return to earth. That wish was finally granted.

A visitation will be held at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, from 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 6, 2013. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Indian Hills Community College Scholarship fund in Gary’s name or the heartland Human Society in Ottumwa and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.