John Alvin Vandegriff Sr.

John Alvin Vandegriff, Sr. Battle Creek John Alvin Vandegriff, Sr., 90, of Battle Creek, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Battle Creek Health System surrounded by his children. He was born April 16, 1920 in Bethel, OH the son of Alvin and Sarah (Daley) Vandegriff. He married the late Virginia (Chingwa) Vandegriff on September 21, 1952 in Northville, MI. John served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years in addition to working other jobs like a night watchmen at Knappen-Milling to provide for his family. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force he worked and retired from Clark Equipment. He had been a member of a number of organizations including the Saladin Shriners, Scottish Rite Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, 33 Degree Mason, Lodge 398, VFW, American Legion, and The Eagle's. John was also a member of the St. Jerome Parish. John loved tending to his plants, cooking, spending time with his family, and especially playing cards. For many years he looked forward to his bi-weekly meetings at the Knights of Pythians and made sure he was on there time. John is survived by his children, Eileen (Duane Blankenship) Yeager, John (Linda) Vandegriff, Jr., Grant (Tammy) Vandegriff, and Laura Ure; he was especially proud of his grandchildren, Larry, Tony, John III, Sean, Alexis, Jenny, Samantha, Shalyn, and Alec; great granddaughter, Alaila; good friends, John Forney and Jo McClenney. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia; parents; grandson, Daniel Yeager; favorite son-in-law, Tim Ure; his brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, 9:00 a.m. at the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Pastor Robert L. Zuhl of First Wesleyan Church officiating. Burial will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to Knights of Pythians. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com