William John "Bill" Vandemore

The best role model, mentor, supporter, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather anyone could have. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.  

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William John “Bill” Vandemore of Chesterfield, MO at the age of 84. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Monday, November 4, 2024 at Ascension “Little Church,” 230 Santa Maria Dr., Chesterfield 63005.   

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Schrader Funeral Home, 14960 Manchester Rd., Ballwin, 63011.  

Bill was born on September 25, 1940, in Geneseo, IL, the son of A.J. “Ollie” and Margaret (Andrews) Vandemore. He married the love of his life, Marilyn (VanDeKeere), on November 5, 1960 at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo.  He was a successful salesman and business owner in the commercial roofing industry for more than 50 years.  

Bill was an extraordinary man who acted like an ordinary one.  He made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room, with an insightful ability to listen thoughtfully while never talking about himself.  

He was a skilled woodworker, building many projects for family and friends and passing on the guidance and expertise that we humbly impart in every household project, though we will never achieve his level of precision.  

His greatest loves were his wife and family, the Missouri Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and his boat.  He was happiest when family was together at his home on Table Rock Lake.  

Bill will never truly leave us, there are things that death cannot touch.  His energy, humor, loyalty and zest for life has left a lasting influence on our hearts forever.  

Bill leaves his loving memory with cherished survivors:  Wife, Marilyn; son Todd (Tisha) Vandemore; daughter Tina (Neil) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Kelly (Kody) Bradford; Andy Zimmerman; Drew (Micayla) Vandemore; Lauren Vandemore; Ross (Emma) Vandemore; great-grandchildren, Ella and Hailey Bradford; sisters Mary Gustafson of Geneseo, Cathy (Bill) Clancy of Geneva, IL; sister-in-law Sue Ann Vandemore of Geneseo and several loving nieces, nephews and cousins.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Margaret; sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and James Wachtel; brothers, Mark and Jim Vandemore; and brother-in-law, Glen Gustafson. 

If desired, contributions may be made to Project Present, 7430 Hoover Ave., St. Louis, MO 63117, <https://projectpresent1.ddock.gives/>. 
Bill’s final resting place will be at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, 16200 Manchester Road, Ellisville 63011.

As a service of the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.

“How lucky are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”