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Mason Vanderwork Obituary
In the two-and-a-half years that followed, the football player from St. Stephens High School served overseas twice, bought his first car and got married to a girl from home after knowing her for only two months.
They planned to start a family together, wife Taylor Vanderwork said Wednesday.
But those dreams ended Monday when a mortar blew up at Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada, killing Vanderwork and six others in the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Lejeune. The accident is still under investigation.
Vanderwork was 21.
His wife said she learned of his death Tuesday when three men in uniform came to the door of the couple's Jacksonville home.
"I fell to the floor, and I just cried," Taylor Vanderwork said. "I've lost my husband and part of my military family and I just turned 19-years-old.
"I really want to be dreaming."
The identities of those killed weren't expected to be released until late Wednesday night, according to Cpl. Daniel Wulz, a Marine public affairs officer. The military is waiting until 24 hours after families are notified.
However many of the marines were identified by their families Wednesday as young men just starting their military careers.
Vanderwork fit that mold – his wife said he wanted to be a marine because he knew it would help him become a man.
But unlike some of his company men, Vanderwork didn't want to stay in the corps forever, family members said. He had already served two tours overseas in Afghanistan and most recently Kuwait and hoped to leave the service in 2014 to settle down in one place, Taylor Vanderwork said.
Family members and friends remember Vanderwork as a spontaneous, caring person who loved the beach, fast cars and spending time with family and friends.
He had an 11-year-old sister who idolized him, his family said.
Some of those friends from the Hickory and Jacksonville areas were posting messages and pictures on a Facebook page created Wednesday in his memory.
"I can still hear you laugh, see your smile, and feel your hugs!" friend Tranea Jones posted. "You always brightened my day."
Vanderwork's body will be shipped to the east coast Wednesday night for an autopsy and preparations for burial.
Family members hope to hold two services, in Hickory and Jacksonville, in his memory but have not yet finalized plans.
"I thank God every day for the 11 months I was with him," Taylor Vanderwork said. "I don't know what to think. I don't know what to do."
-- Cameron Steele, The Charlotte Observer
Memories and Condolences
for Mason Vanderwork
98 Entries
Josh Watkins
May 13, 2014
Mason, You may be gone from your physical form... but your legacy will always live on. I think of the good times we had in middle school and some high school. You are a true hero, a warrior, and a great individual. You are not gone and are definitely not forgotten man!
Anthony Mattaliano
July 1, 2013
Missy may the lord give u comfort in ur hour of need . God bless Mason, a hero to all mankind
Farewell Marine
D J Sims
May 7, 2013
To the Family of LCpl. Mason Vanderwork
I wish I had the right words to say at this time, but I know there are none. I grieve for the loss of your beloved son and I know that I cannot fathom the pain you must be feeling. Your son will not be forgotten and what he did to help protect our homeland and our freedoms. It was his life that made him a Hero. It was his noble path that made him an American Hero. It was his ultimate sacrifice that made him a Fallen Hero. May God carry him to Heaven on His precious wings and give him a palace to live in. I pray that our Heavenly Father above will grace you with His love, His comfort and His peace. Heaven's Gates now has a new handsome Marine standing guard. Amen.
April 14, 2013
You have our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Mason...and our pledge to remember.
Marty and Jan
Marine Vet and Navy parents
April 6, 2013
Rest in Peace Devil Dog. Thank you for your service to our country....We pray Jesus holds your family tight and that they always know you will always be their guardian angel from the heavens above. Semper FI
Jon Lowder
April 2, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Geri Marshall
April 2, 2013
May God Bless you all at this sad time in your lives. Please remember Mason Vanderwork is a true American hero whose sacrifice will never be forgotten by our grateful nation. I pray for strength and peace for you all.
Mindy Heiser
April 1, 2013
My deepest Heartfelt Condolences I Send to The Family Of
LANCE CPL MASON VANDER WORK.
He's a True Hero, He Chose and Believed in Serving His Country.
Semper Fi Marine as you Proudly Guard The Gates Of Heaven
May His Soul Now Rest In Eternal Peace, and May The Family Find Comfort in The Many Fond Memories You Have Deep In Your Hearts, That May In Time Help You To Heal.
GodBless
Shara and Lawrence Waller
April 1, 2013
Because I do not know you it does not stop my prayers for you and your family. RIP YOUNGMAN.
Hunt Family
April 1, 2013
He is a hero to us all and we thank him for protecting our country. So sorry for the loss of this young man.
tonya phipps
April 1, 2013
Prayers and thoughts go out to the family and friends of lance col mason.
betty white
April 1, 2013
You are in my prayers,
Jan Thomas
March 31, 2013
Thank you for your service. God bless your family.
Ray & Maralana Howard
March 29, 2013
God Bless You and your family.
Janet Meadows
March 29, 2013
Holy Spirit please comfort this family at this very difficult time of loss... we thank you Lord for his time of serving in our military. Keep his family safe and in your care at all times and bless them with Your Presence.
March 29, 2013
You are and always will be as a son to me and will never be forgotten.
Love Always, Tasha Rudisill
Angel Dickson
March 29, 2013
So sorry to read of the news. Sending prayers.
Lynne Andrea
March 28, 2013
I am writing to tell you and your familes how sad I am for the loss of your husband. My husband is a retired Marine and we live in Jacksonville. He is also a Patriot Guard Rider and is in Wilmington to bring your husband home. May God continue to protect you and watch over you and your families during this difficulet time. Sincerely, Lynne
Connie Wyckoff
March 28, 2013
Semper Fi, Marine, you are now guarding Heaven's Gates. Peace and comfort to the Vanderwork family.
Debbie Nagy
March 28, 2013
I wish that there was something I could say that would ease your pain. I can only let you know the pain I feel in my heart for you. I am sorry that I never got a chance to personally know Mason but he will always be in my heart and in my prayers. I will also keep you and your family in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for raising such a fine young man and a true HERO.
Steve Graves
March 27, 2013
To the Vanderwork family...though I did not personally know Mason, I know the commitment to family and country he had within. His loss is not only yours but also the nations. We enjoy the freedoms we know because of brave young men and women such as Mason. May your memories of Mason bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. RIP young warrior, we have the watch. Semper Fi.
Ian S.
March 27, 2013
I hope that you can find peace in the words found at John 5:28. I am deeply sorry for you loss.
Bob Baldwin, Mgyst,(Ret)USMC
March 27, 2013
My heart is deeply hurt over this. We Marines never ever get over the lost of our fellow Marines and sailors. As long as there has been a United States Marine Corps, we stick together always. He and he's fellow Marines and sailors will NOT be Forgotten. Not on my Watch. EMPER FI AND GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
Debbie Hoffman
March 27, 2013
Thank you for serving Mason. RIP
Semper Fi
debbie mcnamee
March 27, 2013
thank you for serving our country. May the lord watch over your family until you are reunited once again.
Pegggy Price
March 26, 2013
You will be missed by many. R I P Mason
Robin Brazil
March 25, 2013
Prayers of comfort to your family. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice.
RIP MARINE...
Semper Fi
MoM...Mother of a Marine
George Dawkins
March 25, 2013
May God bless and keep you and your family in this time of grief. We are all family.
Semper Fi.
Alicia Borjas
March 25, 2013
You were my Bestfriend and hero, I was so blessed to have known and had you as my friend. I love you mason and I will never forget you! I will see you again and when I do I want my hug I always called my favorite! Lol miss you! And when the time comes when I see you again it will be the greatest :) love you solider you are my hero, you are home!
Gary & Ann Boyette
March 25, 2013
Thank you for your service, Marine. Our heart felt thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Duane Muhammad
March 25, 2013
May God bless your family with comfort and I thank you so much for your committment and sacrifice. Peace be with the family.
Toni Scott
March 25, 2013
Taylor I just want you to know that I am thinking about you. You are in my prayers that God will give you the strength you need in your time of grief. My thoughts also goes out to his family. Mason was in school with my son. He will be missed. I know this is a very difficult time that words can not express. I am here for you. God Bless,
Bobbie Adams
March 25, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lynne Neibert
March 25, 2013
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your son and husband's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Courtney Pitman
March 24, 2013
Praying for Mason's family at this time. He is smiling down from Heaven.
Rhonda Evans
March 24, 2013
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl Vanderwork. . my deepest sympathy and prayers. I am so so sorry for the loss of your Hero. Rest In Peace Marine, Semper Fi from this Mom of a Marine.
Sandra Garza Schock
March 24, 2013
To the Family & Friends of
Lance Cpl. Mason J Vanderwork
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Your HERO. My He Rest In Peace. May God comfort You during this difficult time.
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.
Sincerely
Marine Vet Mom
sallie king
March 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda Nordone-Kubicsko
March 24, 2013
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry for your loss.
March 24, 2013
My prayers are with your loved ones L Cpl. Vanderwork. To you, I say thank you for your dedication and service to our country. You will forever be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!
Tina Miller
Marine Mom, Southern California
March 24, 2013
My heart breaks for your family as you suffer this most horrific loss. As the child of a US ARMY RETIRED SGT 1st class Viet Nam and Korea survivor I THANK YOU.SALUTE YOU and pray for you all. I trust God will carry you all through and your memories of this GREAT AMERICAN will comfort you until again you see his smile.
God bless you and again
THANK YOU SOILDER.
Donna Murray
March 24, 2013
Rest in peace, sweet Mason. May God wrap your wife and family in His peace and love.
Denise Whitteaker
March 24, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss!!! My heart is with you all!!! Prayers always!!!!
March 24, 2013
From one service member to another we are all brothers in arms, Thanks for your scarfice and service. See you at the final manifest. SFC C.Ball USA
T. H.
March 23, 2013
Cpl. Vanderwork, your bravery, dedication and devotion will never be forgotten. My our Creator hold you in loving arms forever.
Evangelina Esparza
March 23, 2013
Don't really know what to say.
To my Marine mom & family hug and prayer
Chris and Wendi Jaeck
March 23, 2013
Bless You and Your Family. Our Country will forever be Grateful.
Sharon Fawks
March 23, 2013
I did not know you, but I want to THANK YOU for being a Marine. To his wife and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. God Bless all of you!!!
jenn kennedy
March 23, 2013
Heaven has received another hero. Rest in peace Marine. Thank you for your service. Prayers for you and your family are being sent from your Marine family.
Barbara Wing
March 23, 2013
So very sorry and heartbroken for your loss. You have the support and prayers of our family as well as the Marine family with you in this time of such loss.
Semper Familia,
Barbara Wing
Marine Mom from Nebraska
Sgt. John and Priscilla Duncan
March 23, 2013
May God be with your family as he is with you.
Semper Fi my brother
Ty Eckard
March 23, 2013
Go easy, young Brother. You're in the Corp of God, now. Semper Fidelis.
Denise Gantose
March 23, 2013
May Mason rest as a true HERO should, in the warm loving arms of GOD. Our hearts are with your family . Sad and broken, but also proud and thankful. Our son (Camp Lejeune) and grandson (Cherry Point, NC) are both Marines.
Alice & Bill Carter
March 23, 2013
We were blessed to have known your son even for a short while. He was truly loved. We thank you for the sacrifices you made to make him the good young man he became. My heart and prayers go out to you. I know the Lord just got himself a good soldier. God Bless you and your family.
Robert M. Taylor
March 23, 2013
May The LORD Bless you and keep you forever and ever Amen
Lisa Warren
March 23, 2013
Thank you for your service.
Love & Prayers from a Marine Family
The Warren's
March 23, 2013
SEMPER FI-NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN- MAY GOD BLESS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
B. ECKARD, FALLEN HEROES MINISTRY, SRBC
Lynda Campbell
March 23, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
We miss you and Love you.
Alicia Borjas
March 23, 2013
kimberly stringfellow
March 23, 2013
rest in peace
March 23, 2013
We are so sorry your blue Star has turned to Gold May God be with you as you honor the memory of your precious loved One A True american Hero
A Marine family
Cleveland Ohio
Maria French
March 22, 2013
RIP Thank you for your service, my thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.
Jennifer Hodge
March 22, 2013
Rest Easy, Marine...
While you guard the gates of heaven, your Marine Family will always be there for your family and friends here on earth. God bless and thank you for your service.
Love & Prayers,
A Marine Mom
& Marine Wife
K. Coffey
March 22, 2013
Semper Fi.
Rosemary McCartney
March 22, 2013
Rest in Peace.My heart aches for your family and loved ones left behind. Prayers and hugs to all. With love, your Marine Family.
Siby Faris
March 22, 2013
I know that you are beyond grief on losing your son. Please know that I, and all of the country thank, honor, and respect him.
Tommy Donaldson
March 22, 2013
Semper Fi!
March 22, 2013
RIP Lcpl Vanderwork and thank you for your service. My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family and friends at this most difficult time. Semper Fi. From another Marine Mom and family. Linda Nungesser, Ohio
March 22, 2013
God Bless you & RIP LCpl Mason. You are now guarding Heaven's Gates with your brothers. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Your family and friends are in my prayers.
Another Marine MoMa
Dianne Fairchild
Houston, TX
Laura Zimmer
March 21, 2013
As the mother of a Marine, I feel your loss...we are a united family. LCpl Vanderwork was a hero. His service is appreciated and he will not be forgotten. May you find comfort and healing as you go through this difficult time. Semper Fi!
March 21, 2013
My son is also a Marine stationed in Jacksonville my heart breaks for you and your family...JUST KNOW YOU are all loved and in our prayers THANK YOU CPL. VANDERWORK
Michele Bova
March 21, 2013
Melissa as you go through this tragic time in life just know that because of you Mason was a AMAZING person, he is loved by so many people. May God Bless him, We Thank him for his service to our country..
Cosenza
March 21, 2013
May the prayers and comforting words from others help you all get through such a difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Gene and Teresa Wilson
March 21, 2013
There are no words that can express how sorry we are for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
March 21, 2013
Thank you for your service and sacrifices. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.
John Bridgwood & Family, Veteran, Hickory, NC
Sweet Family
March 21, 2013
SEMPER FI!
Michelle Sweet
March 21, 2013
God Bless you for the sacrifices you have made for our country. Semper Fi!
From the family of Cpl Derick J. Sweet
2/8 Echo Company God Bless The United States Marine Corp! R.I.P Marine!
Marshall Bennett
March 21, 2013
I'm a veteran of the US.Navy, I'm so sorry for your lose, I hope you can find peace, and solace, knowing he will always be with you in spirit, and he is and always will be an American Hero. God Bless.
Jean Anderson
March 21, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Terri Starnes
March 21, 2013
Thanks for serving our country. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patrick
March 21, 2013
Thanks so much for your service and sacrifice to our nation and the cause of peace to everyone around the world....may love bless your family as they grieve this heartache and move forward.
Linda Whisler
March 21, 2013
Thank You for your service to our Country, It will never be Forgotten. My Heart goes out to everyone, and in your time of need, You reach to your Higher Power for Guidance, and just take it one minute at a time, God Bless
Antoinette Sirois
March 21, 2013
After we lost our son (not military related), we understood that there really are no words. Would like you to know that this Marine family appreciates Lance's service.
Sam Davis
March 21, 2013
As a Marine, my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. May god provide you comfort knowing that your Marine honorably served his God, country and Corps! He is now serving with the greatest heavenly units!
C.P. Lindley
March 21, 2013
I am so sorry for you and your family. His sacrifice is something that is very appreciated. He made the ultimate sacrifice.
March 21, 2013
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
Semper Fi Marine you will be missed
March 21, 2013
Thank You Lance Crpl. for your service and your dedication to our country. Semper Fi. God's comfort goes out to your family.
March 21, 2013
Semper Fi Marine.
Scott Chamberland
March 21, 2013
Semper Fi
Keith Shane Higginbotham
March 21, 2013
Thank you for your sacrifice,your courage and your love for the others. Although I did not know you, you are still my brother. May rest in the presence of our God and may He comfort all who mourn. Semper Fi!.
Janet Molander-Foster
March 21, 2013
To my grieving daughter, Let this light lead your way, All my love Mom.
Mike
March 20, 2013
Thanks for your Service and giving the ultimate sacrifice.
Rest in peace warrior
Mary Little
March 20, 2013
Iam so very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.God Bless you and your family.
March 20, 2013
Taylor you completed each other and your love will live on forever!
Jack Martin
March 20, 2013
Don't really know what to say but do know you thanked the right one for the time you did spend with Mason. Don't know why things like this happen but do know God has a plan for all of us.
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