Crispin "Cris" Fairfax Vonderheide

Cris was born April 16, 1948 at City Hospital in Springfield, Ohio. He attended local schools and graduated from Tecumseh High School. He later attended University of Cincinnati before joining the United States Navy in 1967.

He served in 2 tours of duty overseas in both the Midway Islands and Danang Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1970. After his Navy service he attended Clark Technical College and graduated with honors in Engineering. He then went to work for the Clark County Utility Department for over 18 years as an Engineering Technician.

Cris relocated to Florida in 1989 and became employed by JEA in 1990 as a Revenue Protection Investigator. He was promoted over the years to a Senior Meter Specialist before retiring this past December as a Certified Residential Energy Auditor (REA) doing home inspections. He retired with over 27 years employment with the City.

He loved boating and being on the water and satisfied that love by serving as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1988, qualifying as a Coxswain, serving as President several times and as Secretary of the Flotilla 14-8 this past year.

Perhaps his greatest passion was his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles. He’s life member of Harley Owners Group (HOG); Chapter member of Jacksonville HOG; Member of the American Motorcycle Association; Contributor to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame; and proud and longtime member of the Rolling Thunder, Chapter 4 Florida where he was elected President of the Chapter this past year.

Cris has participated on many rides in support of various charities and was an avid contributor to any ride or event honoring Veterans. Cris was also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Cris is predeceased by his parents, Chester Francis Vonderheide and mother, Ernestine Massie Vonderheide. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Carol Vonderheide; his step-children, Henry Tonkin and Cory Tonkin Prevatt; grandchildren, Brandon Tonkin, Rachel Jensen Menendez, Hannah Jensen Carson, Kristen Tonkin and great-granddaughter Leuci Menendez.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, where the Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Inurnment will be held at 1:30 pm on August 10, 2018 in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218