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BORN
1973
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Chad Vanderford Obituary
A wake will be held on Monday, August 14, 2017, 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Frank Wilson Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, 11:00 am at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Odessa, TX.
Chad is survived by his wife, Nichole; his daughter, Emilie; his parents, Ron and Judy Vanderford; his aunt and uncle Carol and Len Davids; his half-brother, Jim Rosenthal and his family; his uncles, Raymond and Robert Vanderford; his parents-in-law, Jim and Sandy Rougeau; his brother-in-law, Michael Rougeau; his nieces, Selene and Lily Rougeau; and a rather large extended California and Cajun family.
Born and raised in Burbank, California, Chad graduated in 2005 from Louisiana State University with a Ph D in History, and earned degrees from University of California, Berkeley and California State University Northridge.
Chad was an Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. He was the author of The Legacy of St. George Tucker: College Professors in Virginia Confront Slavery and the Rights of States, 1771 - 1897, published in 2015. Sharing his knowledge with students, Chad made the classroom come to life and his students enjoyed his lectures, conversation, and guidance. His fellow scholars and colleagues, including those at UTPB, respected his intellect, integrity, and commitment to excellence. However, his greatest accomplishment was Emilie Elizabeth Vanderford.
Chad was a loving father and devoted husband, with a gift for finding humor in everything. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughter, and their dog, Link. He was a runner, hiking enthusiast, car admirer, avid video game player and a fan of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and satire movies.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Chad Vanderford may be directed to a scholarship established in his name c/o The University of Texas of the Permian Basin Office of Development, 4901 E. University, Odessa, Texas, 79762, or www.utpb.edu.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chad Vanderford
Sponsored by The ODESSA AMERICAN.
Ed Waters
October 17, 2017
Ed Waters
October 17, 2017
Ed Waters
October 17, 2017
Ed Waters
October 17, 2017
Ed Waters
October 17, 2017
For some reason I decided to look up my oldest friend after many years....only to find this. Stunned. Growing in Burbank Chad was my best friend. He and his parents, Ron and Judy, were like my other family. We drifted apart as we grew into adulthood but I always remembered the great times we shared growing up. I am incredibly saddened to hear about this. My deepest condolences to the Vanderford family.
Joanne Heare
September 10, 2017
I was so shocked to hear from Chad's mother about his passing. As neighbors across the street from the elder Vanderfords, we watched Chad grow. They were so proud of him and rightly so. Through Judy, I heard of his studies, marriage and fatherhood. She and Ron continued to be so proud. My sympathies to his wife, child and entire family.
melinda peters
September 8, 2017
I did not know Chad, but I know his mother, Judy, and know how very much she loved him and how truly proud of him she felt. His far too early passing has been profoundly painful for her, but certainly she is comforted by the many kind, appreciative and memorable condolences.
Marie-Paule and Raymond Gherardi
August 29, 2017
My sincere condolences to his family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark Pelham
August 23, 2017
I will dearly miss and will never forget Dr. Vanderford.
Ellisa Weekley
August 16, 2017
We are so deeply sorry to hear of Chad's passing. As his longtime childhood neighbors, we watched as he grew from a toddler to a young adult. He has left us with the indelible imprint of a young man of visible sensitivity and practiced integrity. Our deepest condolences to his loving family and friends. May we who carry on in this life honor his memory by showing others the same sensitivity and integrity of character he has shown us.
David Gauthier
August 15, 2017
I am greatly saddened by the recent death of Dr. Chad Vanderford. Chad was an accomplished scholar-teacher and a devoted family man. For my part, I will miss Chad's intelligence, fun-loving nature, and wonderful sense of humor. Chad was a true original, and he will be sorely missed.
Sara Ornelas
August 14, 2017
I was fortunate enough to take one of Dr. Vanderford's history graduate courses. Great professor! Great sense of humor!!!!! I remember one of our class discussions regarding Bacon's Rebellion. He stopped in the middle of his lecture to express how, all of a sudden, he had a craving for bacon. By the end of the class that evening, we were all craving bacon...a BLT for me. My heart aches for his family, close friends, and colleagues and they will all be in my thoughts as they cope with their huge loss. He was an amazing person who always greeted everyone with a smile. I feel so lucky to have met him and learned from him. He was one of UTPB's best.
Daniella Haynes
August 14, 2017
Dr. Vanderford always had a smile on his face. I will always remember him for his sense of humor. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Miguel Chavez
August 14, 2017
Prayers to the family .
Raquel Carrasco
August 14, 2017
I was a freshman the fall of 2013 entering UTPB. I was a biology major,however because of Dr. Vanderford's History 1301 and 1302 classes I changed my major to History to become an educator. I recently had my last history course with Vanderford this last fall semester of 2016. With the help of the faculty of history including Dr. Vanderford, I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in history this spring and will be working on my masters while working as a teacher and coach. Dr. Vanderford brought his lectures to life, he made history enjoyable and fascinating. I am beyond thankful to have had him as a professor and advisor. I am completely heartbroken over this loss. Prayers for all of his family and friends! ❤
Linda Ward
August 13, 2017
The College of Arts & Sciences bestows our deep regret and condolence to you and your family. Chad was a fun loving and wonderful person. He will be greatly missed down the halls of UTPB. May his memory sustain your heart.
Dr. Linda Ward, Associate Dean
August 13, 2017
So very sorry for your loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you......
Tom and Lucille Casey, Des Moines, Iowa
August 12, 2017
We offer our deep condolences to Dr. Vanderford's family and friends, particularly to Judy and Ron, Emilie, and his wife. We were lucky to meet Emilie and her Corgi, Link, on 8/2/2017 in Los Angeles. Emilie is a delightful girl. We saw Judy, who trains our dogs to herd, train Emilie and Link to herd our ducks and Judy's sheep. Emilie, hold onto Link. He will comfort you.
Meg
August 11, 2017
This is so heartbreaking. Our condolences to Judy, Ron, Nichole, Emilie, Carol & the rest of the families. You are in our hearts & prayers. May you find comfort with family & friends.
Renae Ludrick
August 11, 2017
I met Dr. Vanderford as an undergrad student at UTPB - He was by far one of the best professors I ever had. He brought out the best in his students, and made history come alive. His classes were very lively, and he brought a passion and enthusiasm to teaching that will be very missed.
Renae Ludrick,
History, 2009
Dr. Emilio and Maria Mutis
August 11, 2017
So sorry to hear this. Rest In Peace. Condolences to the entire family. God Bless.
Colin Woodward
August 11, 2017
I met Chad when he was a grad student at LSU. He was brilliant and hilarious and a talented scholar. Over the years, we had long talks about all kinds of things, and I was looking forward to crossing paths with him again. He will be missed.
Colin Woodward
August 11, 2017
I met Chad when he was a grad student at LSU. He was brilliant and hilarious and a talented scholar. Over the years, we had long talks about all kinds of things, and I was looking forward to crossing paths with him again. He will be missed.
Jennifer Bussell
August 11, 2017
Chad's humor will be greatly missed. My 2 sons and I live next door to the Vanderford's and we really enjoy your family. My boys were fascinated with Chad's knowledge of cars. He always knew horsepower, torque, 0-60 times on just about any car you asked him about. He always gave me a hard time about mowing my yard right after he washed his car too. Just a great sense of humor. I'm so thankful we have gotten to know Chad, Nikki and sweet Emily.
In our prayers and here for you.
Jennifer Bussell
Cade and Ashton Coats
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