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Edwin Wesley Vansant
Edwin Wesley Vansant
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Edwin Vansant Obituary
News Death Notice
VANSANT, Edwin Wesley 73, of Springfield, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 5, 2009. He was born in Pike County, Kentucky on November 29, 1935 the son of Pastor Charlie and Fannie (Combs) Vansant. The family moved to Sandy Hook in Elliott County, Kentucky where Ed grew up. He was a graduate of Sandy Hook High School and Morehead State University. He received his Masters Degree from Wright State University. Ed proudly served his country as a United States Marine from 1953-1957. His greatest passions in life included GOD, FAMILY and COUNTRY, and in that order. Mr. Vansant was employed by Springfield City Schools as a teacher and principal. He never forgot his students and called each one by name whenever they met through the years. Ed pursued a second career in Real Estate with Burton-Minnick, Inc. and served as President of the Springfield Board of Realtors in 1998. He was a longtime member of First Christian Church where he served as Deacon, and was President and Treasurer of the Home Builders Sunday School Class. Ed liked to fish and agreed that "a bad day fishing is better than a good day elsewhere". His parents and three brothers, Charles, James and John preceded him in death. Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Joyce (Gray) Vansant; a son Stephen Vansant; a daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Barry Ellington, all of Springfield. He delighted in his three grandsons, Travis, Trevor and Tyler Ellington of whom he said, "they may not add years to my life, but they do add life to my years." He also left a host of good friends who will miss him dearly. "Mr. Ed" or "Lucky Eddie" was known for his friendly sense of humor and funny quips which were sure to brighten the spirits of others. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM. in First Christian Church with Pastor Craig Grammer officiating. Friends and family may call Tuesday from 5-8 PM. in the Church, located at 3638 Middle Urbana Rd., Springfield. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park. The family is being served by RICHARDS, RAFF AND DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. Memorial contributions are requested to the American Cancer Society or to First Christian Church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.
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Saundra Berrien
April 9, 2009
I am one of those students that Mr Vansant remembered (it had been over 35 years-Highlands Elementary-he was our Principal). One of his grandsons is in the same grade as one of my daughters. Mr Vansant and I had been running into each other at school functions for a few years now. The first time that I ran into him, he knew I was a Fullen. I am very sorry for your loss, he was a very kind man. I will miss running into him at school functions. Sincerely Saundra Fullen Berrien
Stephanie Wright
April 8, 2009
Mr Vansant was my principal at Schaefer, he was such a wonderful, very kind and fair man. He will be truly missed.
Ellie Wiles (Castle)
April 8, 2009
To the Vansant Family
Mr. Vansant will be missed by alot of people. I last seen him at a Springfield South football game i walked up to him and he was like hey castle that is what he always called me in the halls of Schaefer Junior High.i will miss him
Mary Goheen
April 8, 2009
Dear Joyce and family, I am so sorry to read of your dear loss.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Thinking of you,
Mary Goheen (was Secretary at Lagonda and
friends with Jo and Dick Hall
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April 8, 2009
To the Vansant Family,
The LORD has called a good man home to be with HIM! I have known Mr.Vansant since my Jr. High School days at Hayward and what a wonderful friend he was to everyone. He was always there for you and wanted to help you in anyway he could. Up until the last day I saw him, he called me by my name. I was so sad to hear of his passing. Please accept my condolences and know my prayers go out to each and everyone of you.
Danielle (Danny) Daniels
Barbara higgenbottom-Thompson
April 8, 2009
To the Vansant Family
Mr Vansant was my teacher and principal I will miss him also to Mrs Vansant God will be with you and you and your Family will have my pray
Metri (Silas) Payne
April 7, 2009
To the Vansant Family,
Mr. Vansant was my principal at Hayward Middle School (back in the day), he always listened whether I was right or wrong! I w/b praying for your family.
Dottie Corbin-Reynolds
April 7, 2009
To the Vansant Family and Travis: You have my deepest sympathy. He was a beautiful person and well thought of. I have know him for many years and he was my sons principal at Hayward. He was always pleasant to talk to. He would always come in Krogers N. Limestone and called me by my sons' name and always asked about them and how he enjoyed them in school. I will miss him and talking to him. Travis, he is in a better place and God has plucked one of his beautiful flowers. I will be praying for you and your family.
Kristin Howard
April 7, 2009
To the Vansant family,
I had the pleasure of working with Ed and he was a great man. Although I didn't know him well or long, his friendly personality shown through always. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Pat & Sharene(Riggle) Maloney
April 7, 2009
Steve & Family,
Mr. Vansant was my Principal at Schaefer Middle School. He was a wonderful man & a well respected Principal that will be sadly missed. We send our deepest sympathy & our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Amy Bard
April 7, 2009
I, as many, am a former student from Shaffer Middle School. Mr. Vansant always greeted me with a smile. I could talk to him about anything. Who knew, years later, our paths would cross again when I started going to First Christian Church with my husband. He always had a nice comment to make to my husband and I about how great of a student I was and what a nice young man I married. Mr. Vansant will be sadly missed, but we know that he is in a much better place. Mr. Vansant, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Todd and Amy (Harshman) Bard
April 7, 2009
To the vansant family your husband,father,friend will sadly be missed by this man who went to schaefer he was a great principal fair and true to his job and a true friend outside of school .will never foget him Kenneth Newhart class of 1983
April 7, 2009
Mr. Ed Vansant was a fine example, kind, respected, positive influence on many young lives. Our three children attended Schafer Jr. High under his guidance. He will certainly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ken,Marge,Scott,Susan(Lucas)Steven Davis, Springfield, Ohio
Amber
April 7, 2009
I have worked with Ed at Burton-Minnick for almost three years. He was a great man always there whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand or just someone to put a smile on my face. He was the most knowlegable person I have every met when it came to anything and everything. I feel very blessed to have had such a wonderful man in my life. I will miss him dearly. Joyce, Jennifer , Steve and Family I am sorry for your loss you are all in my prayers. Travis, Trevor and Tyler there was not one day that passed that he did not talk about how wonderful you three are.
April 7, 2009
Dear Vansant family, Me and my husband was fortunate enough to have Mr. Vansant as our middle school principle at Shaffer. And for the last seventeen years have you both as neighbors. Mr. Vansant loved life and his family, you could see it in his eyes whenever we ran into him at a school event for his grandchildren(which was often). I can remember the first time he came over the hill to meet his new neighbors and was shocked to see me, but of course he called me by name(well my maiden name). He was a great man that will be sadly missed! Please remember if you need anything we are down over the hill!
Your neighbors,
Vickie, Jeff, Morgan, and Marisa Smith
April 7, 2009
To The Vansant Family,
I have known Mr. Vansant since Schaefer Middle School. No matter where I seen him, he would speak and the best part was he remembered my name after all those years. Mr Vansant was a wonderful man and kind man. May God Bless you during this difficult time.
Leann Yancey
Liz Howard
April 7, 2009
To The Vansant Family,
Ed Vansant was the principal at Schafer Jr. High where all three of our children attended. He was a wonderful principal and advisor to the kids. Each time we saw him, even after he became ill, he always asked about our children and took time to talk with us. We discovered that he was from the same area in Ky. as we were and that was always a topic he loved to talk about. He will be missed by everyone who came in contact with him. May God bless your family and take comfort in the fact he is home with our Lord. The Howard Family, Jim, Liz, Jimmy, Julie (Weeks) and Jeff
Darrel Mitchell
April 7, 2009
To the Vansant family,
I remember Mr. Vansant well as a student at Hayward Jr. High. He was very well liked and respected. I can't remember anyone, student or faculty, who had a bad thing to say about him. As students we all said, "Mr. Vansant was cool!" Please know that he is a shining example in my life to this day.
God bless you all!
April 7, 2009
To The Vansant Family
Ed was a principal at Schaefer when I first met him. I had 4 kids there at the same time and you could say I was in the principal's office quite a bit. Years later I ran into him again when I went to visit my Mom, Xie Jones, at her new job at Burton Minnick. When Mom introduced us Ed said " Oh no, you didn't tell me you were the grandmother to those Chiles kids!" This is the story I think about when I think of Ed and the smile on his face. I know he will be sadly missed.I feel they must all be back in business in heaven. May God bring you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Cathy (Jones) Fent
April 7, 2009
To The Vansant Family,
We have known Mr.Vansant since Schaefer Jr.High. No matter where he was if he saw you he would have a conversation with you; and Always ask about the family. He was a very sweet and kind man.
May GOD Bless and strengthen your family during this time.
Crystal; Cheryl; William and Wynette Carter
Marsha Ridenour
April 7, 2009
Dear Joyce, Jennifer and Family
You are in my thoughts during this difficult time. May the love of family and friends bring you comfort and may the Love of God bring you peace.
Renee
April 6, 2009
Mr. Vansant was a well respected principal as you can see by all the post from former students. Several years after being a student, I talked with him again as a realtor. He was a very kind man that will not be forgotten.
ARRON J. VINEY
April 6, 2009
MR VANSANT THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU TAUGHT ME, YOU'LL BE SADLY MISSED ARRON J. VINEY & FAMILY
April 6, 2009
Joyce and Family, I am sorry to learn of Eddie's passing. I have such postitive memories of him and his encouraging words. I pray that God will comfort you during this time of loss.
Beth (Gray) Conover and Family
Trish Feagans/Kniceley
April 6, 2009
VanSant Family...Mr. Ed was the BEST principle a student or school could ever hope for. I was blessed to be one of his "students/kids" at Perrin Woods and next to my Daddy, he was the most positive male influence in my life during my school days. RIP
Brynne & Larry Stevenson
April 6, 2009
I remember our first Sunday back @ FCC we were greeted with a hug, kiss and smile. Ed always had a love for life and a life filled with love.
Karen Johnson
April 6, 2009
To Mr.Vansant Family:I am Karen Fletcher-Johnson.I have Mr Vansant.at Hayward J.School,He was my friend in time of need. I never forgot his personaitly,kindnes,I am going to miss him.
Mary Brake
April 6, 2009
Mr Vansant was also my principle at Schaefer middle school.He always had a smile and something funny to say when he was in the school halls.I work at Kroger N. Limestone,Mr Vansant shopped there,He always was a pleasure to serve,and he remembered my maiden name,what a wonderful man.I will miss him dearly.May God be with his family thru this difficult time.God Bless
Dina Burchett-Jenkins
April 6, 2009
To the Vansant Family:
I'm so sorry for your loss. I first met Mr. Vansant in 1974 when I first came to Perrin Woods School. It was the first time I'd ever changed schools and he and Mrs. Kemp made my transition so easy. I remember he always had a smile on his face and a gentle way about him. He was never too busy for his students and you could tell that he sincerely cared for each and every one. Even though I haven't seen him for quite some time, I will miss him as much as if I'd seen him yesterday. He truly was an angel on earth and now he is an official angel. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and may God Bless each and every one!
Marsha Bell
April 6, 2009
Joyce and family,
It was with sadness that I read about Ed's passing. I know that he has struggled for quite some time, but it's still a shock. You and your family have been so fortunate to have had a husband, father and grandfather who has been so well loved and respected in the church, schools and community. Unfortunately, he will never know how many lives he has impacted!
Be assured that you all are in my prayers.
Jeff Whitt
April 6, 2009
Eddie was a life long friend of my family going all the way back to the dorms at Morehead State. He also was my first principal when I started teaching at Schaefer Middle School. He was always a postive person and we will miss him greatly. I will never forget Eddie and Joyce playing rook with my parents or Eddie fishing with my father. It was a standard line with Dad that no matter where they went, someone knew Eddie there and it was proven time after time. Eddie's personal touch with every person he came into contact with resulted in a new friend. Our hearts go out to his wife Joyce, and his kids Jennifer and Steve. Eddie will not be forgotten.
Jim and Karen Clinger
April 6, 2009
To the Vansant family,
We are so sorry to hear about the death of Ed vansant. He will surely be missed!We just loved seeing him at church with a smile. He was the one going through so much,but sill smiled and talked to you when he seen you. We will always love him,and can't wait for the day that we can see him again! Joyce you were so blessed to have a man who loved Jesus, and would let the whole world know.He was a great principle at Schaefer that changed so many kids! He is now with our Lord! Someday soon we too will be with our Lord! May God bless your family, Love the Clinger's
Betsy Gullett
April 6, 2009
To Vansant Family
My prayers are with you though this difficult time. Mr Vansant was my principle at Schaefer. He was my favorite principle. He was most positive role model in my life. I have took his word of wisdom and kept with me thought out my years. He will be sadly miss by all
Betsy Gullett (Mitchem)
Marcia (Kelly) Rose
April 6, 2009
TO the Vansant family,
Mr. Vansant was my principle at Schaefer Junior High. He by far had more of a positive influence on my life than any other educator ever could have. He will always be the one person that first comes to mind whenever I reflect back to my school days. Your family was truly blessed to have him. Life was not always kind to me and my younger sister, but a day at school with Mr. Vansant always let us know that we had the power to rise above...he gave us this lesson with such a kind, loving and sometimes ornery smile. I am sure he will be missed by many. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jacqueline (Studebaker) Allcorn
April 6, 2009
To the Vansant Family,
Please accept our condolences at this time. Mr. Vansant was a fine Christian example to all who met and knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed & Rev. Cheryl Williams
April 6, 2009
To the Vansant Family: We are holding you in the light and love of God as you mourn the passing of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Mr. Vansant took the time to help many students who experienced issues with family, peers and at school. He always had a kind word, even if the situation was one of frustration and tension. At Clark, Jr. High, the team was Lannon/Vansant! We thank God for the life of Mr. Vansant and that he is now resting in the arms of his heavenly Father. Grace and peace.
Mary Lou (Dillahunt) Leedale
April 6, 2009
I remember Mr. Vansant with great fondness. He was my advisor in the Jaycee Shooter Education program and helped coordinate current events quizzes between Roosevelt and Hayward Junior High. He was a quiet, strong man who believed in a person's capabilities and helped them be the best they could be. May God comfort and keep you in His care during this time of loss.
Faith Barker
April 6, 2009
Dear Vansant family, i am truly sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Vansant as my principle at Perrin Woods many years ago. He was an amazing person and he treated us kids like his own. He left a lot of kids in Springfield with great memories. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary B
April 6, 2009
Mr. Vansant will be sadly missed, He helped me tremendously while I attended school.
Carolyn Duncan
April 6, 2009
To the Vansant Family, God Be with You, Mr. Vansant had not changed much in over 30 years, I knew him as soon as I saw his picture, such a memorable man; he has left a lifelong impression on me. I attended Spfld. city Schools, and I TAKE THIS TIME TO REMEMBER MY CHILDHOOD TEACHER Mr. Vansant.
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