Henry "Van" Gray

Henry "Van" Gray

Mr. Henry Vandiver "Van" Gray, age 89, of Republic, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2015 in the Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon. He was born on February 1, 1926, the fourth child of the late Roy Chester and Ava Olive (Skelton) Gray. Henry was born and raised near the Halltown, Missouri area.

Henry served his country honorably during World War II. He was drafted in February 1945 and was discharged in December 1946 from the 713th Flame Throwers Unit. In 2011 Henry went on the Honors Flight to Washington D.C., and said that it was the best trip he had ever been on.

He was united in marriage to Norma Francis Brown on January 12, 1949 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and was married 54 years before Norma passed away on July 8, 2003.

Henry was employed at Mid America Dairy for 43 years. After retirement Henry enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing and traveling, especially out west to see the mountains, and he always enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed eating at Mexican Villa, Captain D's, and Andy's Frozen Custard, with his favorite being a raspberry concrete. Henry was a member of the Bible Baptist Church, Republic.

Others who have preceded Henry in death were a granddaughter, Brandi Core; and his siblings, C. Conard Gray, Gerald Gray, Pauline Scroggins, Dale Gray, Ernest Gray, Donald Gray, Dewey Lee Gray, and Everett Carl Gray.

Henry is survived by his daughters, Vandeana (Andy) Core, and Debra Cochran (Danny Hunter); four grandchildren, Douglas (Stacie) Wilson, Amber (Lee) Sing, Dustin (Wendy) Wilson, and Autumn Elliott (and fiancé Ryan Tate); five great grandchildren, Jarrett Sing, Makenna Wilson, Carter Sing, Ben Wilson, and Alex Wilson; a sister, Virginia Gibson; a dear friend, Jimmie E. Cochran; many nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015 in Meadors Funeral Home, Republic. A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2015, also in the funeral home. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Wade Chapel Cemetery, Republic. Contributions are suggested to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 11, Orlan E. Smith Memorial Chapter 11, 1708 E. St. Louis, Springfield, MO 65802. Online condolences may be shared at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com