John Vanderbilt

John was born on July 30, 1911, in Rock Valley, Iowa. He was the second of ten children born to John and Jennie Vanderbilt. He was born at home on the farm and was brought into this world by a midwife.

He received his elementary education in a one room schoolhouse. He remembers riding his horse to school and going out to feed her oats at lunchtime. John and his brothers spent many hours working on the farm and milking cows.

In 1924, at the age of 12, the family moved to So. CA by way of train. They lived with an uncle who owned a dairy in Garden Grove. Later the family moved 2 more times, living on farms in Pennsylvania and Ohio. John discovered the joy of motorcycles and bought himself a Harley Davidson.

John and some of his brothers moved back to CA and continued milking cows. He and his brother yearned for adventure so they headed way up north and worked on the Alaskan Highway.

In 1942, W.W. II broke out and John was drafted into the army for 4 years. He spent most of his time in N. Africa and Italy. His service included working as a cook and also the military police.

After the war, he settled in Bellflower, CA, where he met his future wife, Effie at a church service. They were married on June 9, 1948. They were blessed with 3 children, Judi, Marvin and Karen. In 1957, they moved their family to Ontario and bought a chicken ranch. Later, he worked for the Ontario/Montclair School District as a custodian.

In retirement, he spent time working as a handyman on dairies and also volunteering with Effie at 3-Way Thrift Store. They also enjoyed traveling together to visit family and also to Hawaii, Holland Mexico, Mt. Herman Bible Conferences and many National Parks.

When people would ask what his secret to long life was, he would say, "I give God all the glory. He has a wonderful plan for my life. He is my Shepherd, and when He calls, I will go."

A funeral service for John will be held Monday, January 15, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Ontario United Reformed Church, 205 E Philadelphia St, Ontario, California 91761. An interment will occur Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 W G St, Ontario, California 91762.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Funerariadelangelchino.com for the Vanderbilt family.