WABASH - Charles Vanderpool, 86, of rural Wabash, died at 12:45 p.m. March 9, 2010, in his residence.
He was born April 22, 1923, in Jackson, Ky., to James B. and Vina Oliver Vanderpool. On Sept. 20, 1947, in Wabash, he married Frances Robinson, who survives.
A graduate of South Whitley High School, he extended his education during his military service. He served two tours of military service. One tour was served in the U.S. Army during World War II, after which he re-enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Force, where he was trained as a turret tail-gunner on a torpedo plane. He served six years as a Wabash City fireman and paramedic. As founder of Atlas Industries, Wabash, he started the company in 1961, and was an active businessman and community servant until its sale in 1991. He was a member of Wabash Hannah Masonic Lodge, Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, Mizpah Shrine and Wabash Shrine Club. He was a trained mason and carpenter and flew his own airplane for many years.
Also surviving are seven children: Charles David (and spouse Rhonda) Vanderpool, Somerset; Jonathan (and spouse Beverly) Vanderpool, Paula (and spouse Brady) Winer, Daniel (and spouse Barb) Vanderpool, and Cynthia (and spouse Michael) Street, all of Wabash; Teresa Vanderpool, Leesburg; and Phillip (and spouse Janis) Vanderpool, West Lafayette; a brother, Warren (and spouse Nancy) Vanderpool, Auburn, N.Y.; 25 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, with Pastor David Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery, Wabash, with graveside military rites.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.
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Memorial may be made to Wabash County Cancer Society or Wabash-Miami Home Healthcare & Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to www.grandstaff-hentgen.com
