Jerry Vandeven

Jerry "Jeff" Vandeven, 85, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center from complications of open heart surgery.

He was born Feb. 26, 1929, in Cape Girardeau, son of Edwin and Mona (Shanks) Vandeven. He and Charlene Bertrand were married Feb. 6, 1951, at Fornfelt (Scott City).

Jerry served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in earth sciences. He retired from Martin Marietta Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, Kentucky, after 38 years of service. He was an avid golfer and known by his golfing buddies as "Hookster." He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Charlene Vandeven of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Jan (Doug) Harrall of Foley, Alabama, Torie Vandeven of Denver and Lisa (David) Davis of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; a brother, Gene (Carolyn) Vandeven of Bella Vista, Arkansas; a sister, Vivian Lacy of Arlington, Vermont; two grandchildren, Eric (Kaley) Dew of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Leah Davis of Sugar Land, Texas; and a great-grandson, Dylan Joseph Dew of Tulsa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ed and Robert Vandeven; and a sister, Mary Jane Koch.

There is no service.

Memorial contributions in Jerry's name may be made to Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 N. Clark St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.