Lloyd Albert VanGilder, age 85, of Lamar, passed away Friday, March 25, 2016 following a brief illness.
Lloyd was born June 14, 1930 in Lamar, one of four sons of J.T. and Opal (Reiley) VanGilder. Lloyd’s work ethic and sense of responsibility was evident throughout his life. He entered the U.S. Army in 1952 and served in Korea. Lloyd was a reliable and respected bus driver for the Lamar school system for more than forty years. Many have appreciated the countless hours and meticulous attention he devoted to maintaining Lake Cemetery. After semi-retiring, Lloyd worked as a T.A.T.S. driver, quickly forming friendships with his many regular riders. He was an advocate for shelter rescue pets; the constant companionship of his dog and best friend, Harry, added much joy to both their lives.
On July 23, 1964, at Lamar, Lloyd married Mary Ellen Hale, and they shared more than 44 years before her passing November 19, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Marie Reinert; and three brothers, Marvin, Charles, and Jerry VanGilder.
Survivors include two sons, Larry (Anita) VanGilder, Brighton, Missouri and Robert (Letha) VanGilder, Willard, Missouri; two daughters, Patricia (Jim) Higgins, Fayetteville, Arkansas and Theresa (John) Norris, Chouteau, Oklahoma; four sisters-in-law, Barbara Frank, Bonner Springs, Kansas, Irene, Dorothy, and Wanda VanGilder, all of Carthage, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Tim VanGilder, Kristina Lwali, Charity Quinn, Robert VanGilder, Jeff VanGilder, Carla Evans, Brian Beatty, Nathan Higgins, and Casey Higgins; and 31 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 30that Daniel Funeral Home. Immediately following, Pastor Mark Garfield will officiate a graveside funeral service at 11:15 a.m. at Lake Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Barton County Humane Society or Gideons International, both in care of Daniel Funeral Home.
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