John Willis "Bill" VanDervoort

VanDervoort John Willis "Bill" VanDervoort, Sr., age 85, of Upper Arlington, gratefully surrendered to the Lord with his loving family surrounding him at that glorious moment on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was eternally gratefully for his loving wife of 60 years, Diane; his wonderful children, Jane Gordon (Gregory Todd Schulte), John (Marie) VanDervoort, Jr., and Holly (Dale) Miller; two granddaughters, Katelyn and Alyssa Gordon; brother-in-law, Paul Freese; and nieces and nephew, Beth Hersman, Don Hersman and Karen Hersman. Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister Linda Freese. Bill graduated from North High School in 1948 and The Ohio State University (1954) with an Arts and Law Degree. After graduating, he was a field artillery officer in the US Army and then practiced law for more than 54 years. He was a fervent Christian, dedicated Democrat, a lifetime OSU and Cincinnati Reds fan and a passionate supporter of the arts along with his favorite station WOSU. He served on the Board of Deacons at the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. He was a newspaperman for the Ohio State Journal covering OSU athletics during the "snowball game" and early Woody Hayes years. Thanks to his loving mother and dad, his major joys were the classics; he served on the Boards of the Columbus Symphony, Pro Music Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Music of Columbus and Friends of WOSU. He was a member of the Columbus Club where he enjoyed playing cards with his friends for 40 years. He had an equal passion for great art, which included many visits to various museums all over the world. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, with Pastor Paul Ulring officiating. Family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of WOSU, c/o The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 W. Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221 or to Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 55 E.State St., Columbus, OH 43215 or to Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, in his memory. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory or send condolences. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road.