Charles Ernest Vandiver

Charles Ernest Vandiver, age 96, of Gatesville, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2017. Graveside services with Masonic Rites will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Davidson Cemetery, with Rev. Jeff Huckeby officiating. Charles was born on March 29, 1921 in Coryell County, Texas to the late Charles A. Vandiver and Mellie Roe Vandiver. He grew up and attended school in Oglesby, Texas. He entered the US Army Air Corps in 1940, serving in the European Theater during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1945. Charles married Mary Bond on December 30, 1945 and they resided in Gatesville since 1965. His wife preceded him in death on February 10, 2014. He was a member and deacon of Pecan Grove Baptist Church. He worked in maintenance for the Gatesville State School for Boys and T.D.C.J., before his retirement in 1983. He was also a member of the Gatesville Masonic Lodge #197 A.F. & A.M., receiving his 60 year pin in 2013. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Vonita Simmons in 1995. Charles is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Weaver and husband, Danny of Oglesby; sister, Peggy Albeck of Pensacola, FL; four grandchildren, Charley Weaver, Amanda Weaver, Cody Simmons, and Lindsey Janisch; four great-grandchildren, Lane Simmons, Skyler Johnson, Bailey Johnson, and Chloe Janisch; two great-great-grandchildren, Kutter Carpenter and Logan Simmons; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Pecan Grove Baptist Church, 1110 Old Fort Gates Rd., Gatesville, TX 76528.