Obituaries

John VanGenderen, Jr.

(Tonya) Pipes, Sam (Sabrina) Bakos, Tony (Kia) Maletta, and Michael Barraza.

John Christopher VanGenderen, Jr., age 15. of Unionville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly after an automobile accident on Saturday, May 27, 2023. John was born in Centerville, Iowa, the son of JC VanGenderen and Christina Worley on February 26, 2008.

Although John was taken from his earthly home at such a young age, he left a huge impact on many lives of friends and family members. He was always looking for a reason to make those around him laugh, smile, and always make the best of all situations. John had a smile that would light up any room and a one-of-akind grin that would instantly warm your heart.

John just completed his freshman year at Putnam County R-I Schools where he enjoyed every opportunity to hang out

Unionville

with his friends, he never met a stranger and would make those around him always feel loved, welcomed, and appreciated. In Johns’ spare time he loved going to auctions with his father, where together they would look for treasures and would exercise their bargaining skills. As mentioned above he loved his friends and family more than anything, but he also had a love for fishing, playing basketball, listening, and singing to an assortment of music, and helping out on his father’s family farm.

John is survived by his loving family who are deeply saddened by his loss, beginning with his parents JC (Elisha) VanGenderen and Christina Worley (Robert Lee.) Godmother Erin Warnick along with his girlfriend Kiaran Veach. Grandparents, Theresa Worley, Audrey Bakos, Amber Worley, John (Pebbles) Garr. Brothers Brendan Behrens, Nickolas VanGenderen, Riley Bunnell, Scot VanGenderen, Seth Hannink, and Robert Lee all whom he loved “hanging out with.” Also surviving are aunts and uncles, John (Megan) Worley, Danny (Debbie) VanGenderen, Kevin (Lorie) Pipes, Joni (Chris) Broshar, Steve

He is preceded in death by his grandparents John Worley and Johnny and his wife Marcia VanGenderen, along with aunts Dominique Lee, Jeanette Worley, Pamela Worley, and Connie Knowles.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 3rd, at the First Christian Church located in Unionville, with a celebration of life following at the 4-H building in Unionville, where lanterns were released in John’s memory. Memorials may be mailed to funeral home at 355 West Front Street, Green Castle, Missouri 63544 for the family’s choice.

Casady-Luscan Funeral Solution offers our deepest condolences to the friends and family of John Christopher VanGenderen, Jr.

DAR Meeting Minutes

The DAR General John Sullivan Chapter regular meeting was called to order by Regent Margaret Szucs at 2:00 pm on May 26, 2023 at the Putnam County Library, Unionville, Missouri.

Members present were: Margaret Szucs, Betty Sue Nowles, Sharon Parks, Jan Altiser, Judi Tipton, Hazel Tipton, Mary Blocker, Rhonda Webber, Linda Conner, Kathryn Milner, Beverly Staggs, and Connie Olson. Guests present were: Izabella

Szucs, Trish Stamper, Kim Ewing and Jane McDonald.

Regent Margaret Szucs welcomed everyone with the Chapters DAR Procedures of Opening Ritual. Hazel Tipton led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States. Mary Blocker led the American Creed, the National Anthem was led by Connie Olson and Judi Tipton led the Pledge of Allegiance to the State of Missouri.

The minutes of April 28, 2023 was read by

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Kathryn Milner. A Motion was made by Mary Blocker and seconded by Sharon Parks to accept the minutes. Motion approved.

The Treasure’s report was given by Rhonda Webber. A Motion was made by Connie Olson and seconded by Mary Blocker to accept the treasure’s report. Motion approved.

Linda Conner made a motion to present the Quilt of Valor next month. Kathryn Milner seconded the motion. Motion approved. The Registrar, Linda Conner, informed us that the patriot records index is available on Fold3. Sharon Parks stated that today was Poppy Day. The historian, Kathryn Milner, gave a history on Decoration Day which started in 1866. The Indian minutes was given by Kathryn Milner regarding the weaving of the Indian tribes for their blankets, etc. and the meaning to the designs in the weaving. Mary Blocker gave the history of the Pledge of Allegiance which was adopted on 28 December 1945 and amended in 1954 to include “under God”.

Sharon Parks informed us of the schedule for honoring our veterans on this Memorial Day.

The chapter received the Bronze level of the American Spirit magazine. In addition, the chapter also obtained Level 2 of the Missouri State Society Honor Roll 2022.

Roll call was our favorite cartoon character. After which, our guest speaker, Jane McDonald, who graduated from Putnam County High School and University of Iowa with an extensive career in art. She brought an oil painting and explained details of painting with oils. She has completed several large projects on walls (inside and outside). She remains active on commissions for individuals and businesses.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Putnam County Library, Unionville, Missouri.

Recording Secretary Kathryn Milner

Approved by: Margaret Szucs, Regent 6/02/2023

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Watkins Mill State Park to Host Slave to Soldier Program on June 17

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 2, 2023 –Watkins Mill State Park team members will be hosting a program titled Slave to Soldier, from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17. This presentation is about Black soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War.

Starting in 1866, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, was the receiving station for the men of color following the Civil War. There, the most unlikely of soldiers, Cathay Williams, joined the United States Army in the United States Colored Troops. Williams, also known as Pvt. “William Cathay,” was the only female known to have served in what would become the Buffalo Soldiers.

Pvt. Isaac Johnson, the great-grandfather of one of the presenters, enlisted May 6, 1866, and joined his company at Jefferson Barracks. An original Buffalo Soldier, he traveled across Missouri by rail to the western frontier to serve with honor in the 38th and 24th infantries, and later reenlisted into the famed