Bob L. VandeLinde

1929 - 2025

Bob L. VandeLinde

December 20, 1929 - September 15, 2025

Bob L. VandeLinde, 95, of Moneta passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

Bob was born on December 20, 1929, in Hamlin, West Virginia. He graduated from Hamlin High School and attended Marshall University. After his freshman year at Marshall, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and served in the Korean War with K Company, the 187th ARCT, and the 82nd Airborne. During his time in service, he made two combat jumps behind enemy lines.

Among his many military honors are the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, two Presidential Unit Citations, the Korean Presidential Citation, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal (with five battle stars and one arrowhead), and the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Korean Government.

On May 23, 2014, the West Virginia Legislature honored him by naming a bridge in Hamlin the "U.S. Army SFC Bob L. VandeLinde Bridge."

Following his military service, Bob began a long career with Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society, retiring after 38 years in 1991.

In retirement, Bob became an author, publishing seven books, including three military histories: A Tribute to Lincoln County Veterans, Respect-Forgotten Heroes, and Korea. He also served as a volunteer tour guide at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, and was active in numerous organizations including the 187th Airborne Association, American Legion, VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, 82nd Airborne Association, and the Korean War Veterans Association.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 65 years, Jean Ella; his parents, Denny and Mable Mae VandeLinde; and his brother, Denny M. VandeLinde.

He is survived by two sons, Terry VandeLinde (Jeanie), and Marty VandeLinde (Tammy); nine grandchildren, Chris VandeLinde (Nicole), Ryan VandeLinde (Erin), Erin Stover (Brent), Sean VandeLinde (KaewKlao "Noi"), Nikole Hedges (James), Alyssa Hatfield, Landon Hatfield, Brittany Darnell (Donnie), and Victor Darnell (Courtney); and great-grandchildren, Micah, Morgan, Tate, Josiah, Analise, Finn, Skye, and Tyler VandeLinde, William and James Stover, Devin and Brennan Hedges; Makenna Valentine, and Rowan Hatfield.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown by Gary and Cheryl Wright, Mary Beth Winney, Neil and Stacy Schlottman, Mike and Dawn Gallogly, Xena, a spunky loving Yorkie, who made Bob smile every day for the last 3 years, the Moneta Fire Department, and Carilion Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia,, to Gideons International, or to Eastern Dominican Christian Mission.

Visitation will be held at Halesford Baptist Church (where Bob was an active member and deacon for many years) on Sunday, September 21st, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Monday, September 22nd from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Hamlin, West Virginia. Arrangements are by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount–Smith Mountain Lake.