Donald Wesley Vandever

Don Vandever age 81 passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, in his home in Rusk, Texas. Services will be held Thursday, June 13 at 11a.m. at Wallace Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk, Texas, with visitation preceding the funeral service at 10 a.m. and graveside to follow the service at McDonald Cemetery in New Summerfield. The services will be officiated by Robin Parsons.

Don was born to John and Vida Corinne Vandever on January 05, 1943, in Temple, Texas. He graduated from La Vega High School while working part time jobs to help the family. He enlisted in the Army National Guard for a term shortly thereafter. Always having a mind for the way things work, he was an armorer in the Army and was an accomplished sharpshooter.

His first son Kenneth was born in September 1964 and his second, Jerry Don in 1967. Ever the hustler, he had many jobs always outperforming until he landed at Gates as a sales rep which eventually led him to owning and operating Rusk Auto Parts. He married Rebecca Vandever October 31, 1998, and continued up until his last days serving faithfully on Rusk Volunteer Fire Department as well as Rusk Rural Water Board.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister Judy Ann Primeaux; and son, Kenneth.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Vandever; son Jerry Don Vandever; bonus daughter Raychel Shaw and husband Shaun; bonus son Steven Shaw and wife Kasia; and daughter in law Dawn Hacker. Also by grandchildren Alyssa Holder and husband Jeremy, Josh Vandever and wife Chaquanna, Bryant Shaw, Ashley Shaw, Wesley Shaw, Chris Vandever, Gracie Shaw, Tristan Shaw; great grand children, Dixie, Rosalyn, & Waylon Warren, Brayden Vandever, Navarii & Kairo Vandever, Che’variya & Aaliyah Boyd.

Members of Rusk Fire Department will serve as pallbearers.