Sammy Van Arsdale

Sammy Clinton Van Arsdale, 73, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at his home. The family is rejoicing that he is out of pain and with his heavenly family.

He was born June 13, 1941, in Exie, Kentucky, son of Carl and Eula Ennis Van Arsdale. He married Linda Wiggs Evans Nov. 17, 1974, in Bloomington, Illinois.

Survivors include his loving wife, Linda Van Arsdale of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Charles Richard III (Kim) Evans of Jonesboro and Vincent (Joann) Van Arsdale of Spotsylvania, Virginia; three grandchildren, Kasey (Tyler) Clutts of Jonesboro and Samuel and Joseph Van Arsdale of Spotsylvania; two great-granddaughters, Maggie Louise Clutts of Jonesboro and Addison Van Arsdale of Fredericksburg, Virginia; a sister, Leola Tibbs of Bloomington; a brother, Sonny (Karen) Van Arsdale of Bonita Springs, Florida; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Carl Van Arsdale; and a stillborn daughter.

Sammy was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. He enjoyed volunteering at Cape Girardeau Senior Center.

Sammy attended grade schools in Clinton, Illinois. He was a graduate of Clinton Community High School and Illinois State University in Normal with a bachelor of science degree.

He proudly served in the United States Army for six years from 1960 to 1966 and was a Vietnam veteran. Sammy was very proud of the fact he served with the 11th Air Assault Division from 1964 to 1965 and the 1st Air Cav. Division from 1965 to 1966. He was a lifetime member of the Bullwhip Squadron Association.

Sammy worked 35 years for State Farm Insurance Co. He retired in 2001 as a professional development manager in systems project development. Throughout his career, he served primarily in responsibilities of auto service and underwriting. As part of his continuing education with State Farm, he completed studies to earn Charted Life Underwriter (CLU) and Charted Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Kornthal Church in Jonesboro, with John Dehne officiating. Interment will be in Ebenezer Cemetery in Jonesboro with military graveside honors conducted by Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455 in Anna and Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Kornthal Church, Saint Francis Hospice, or VA Hospice. Envelopes will be available at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home and at the church.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to a celebration of life meal at the Great Boars.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit rendlemanhilemanfh.com.