Ivan 'Blue' Woodfin

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Ivan "Blue" John Woodfin, 92, of Advance passed away Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at the Advance Assisted Living in Advance.

He was born June 3, 1924, at Dongola, Missouri, the son of John and Nellie Shell Woodfin.

Blue withdrew from high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II. Upon his return, he completed his education and graduated from Zalma High School in Zalma, Missouri. He was the last remaining member of the 1939-1940 Zalma state championship basketball team.

Blue was a self-employed truck driver. He was a member of Bethel General Baptist Church near Advance.

Blue and Gavada Jane Corbin were united in marriage Jan. 16, 1947, at Piggott, Arkansas, and she preceded him in death Sept. 25, 2016.

Survivors include two sons, Stan (Andi) Woodfin of Oran, Missouri, and Todd (Cheryl) Woodfin of Advance; a daughter, Beverly Leslie of Clarksville, Indiana; a brother, Clinton Woodfin of Bolivar, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Jonathan Leslie, Amy Woodfin Holman, Jill Leslie Ausmus, Ashley Woodfin VanGorkom, Halle Woodfin, Grant Woodfin and Hope Woodfin; and seven great-grandchildren, Alexis Holman, Kaleb Holman, Harrison Leslie, Reece Ausmus, Karuna Leslie, Janie Ausmus and Rykker VanGorkom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a brother.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the chapel, with the Revs. Ray Placher and Fred Ritter officiating. Burial will be at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery near Bloomfield, with full military rites.