He was born May 17, 1924 in Perry Township, Greene County, a son of the late John Lawrence and Beatrice Lyda Dulaney VanDruff.
Mr. VanDruff was the founder and owner of VanDruff Tractor and Implement Sales of Waynesburg for 55 years. He bought his first Ford tractor in 1944 from Fox Motor Co. of Waynesburg and did custom work for farmers in Greene County. He worked for Fox Motor Company from 1948 to 1953 selling and servicing Ford tractors and equipment. In 1953 he purchased the tractor and implements division of Fox Motor Co. and moved it to its present location.
He joined the Waynesburg Volunteer Fire Company in 1955 after he helped rescue flood victims on High Street in Waynesburg by the Former Bryan’s Dairy. He was asked to join the company by former chief, Clovis Wright. He held the position of trustee in Fire Company for several years and was a designated truck driver during fire operations. He also delivered 7 babies as a volunteer fireman.
Mr. VanDruff served on the board of the Greene Co. Soil and Water Conservation District and campaigned in Harrisburg on issues relating to farmers in Greene County.
He served on the board of the Greene Co. Cooperative Extension Service. He was a big supporter of the 4-H livestock Clubs in Greene County and Marshall County, West Virginia. In 1986 he received the State Citation Award by the Future Farmers of America recognizing VanDruff Tractor and Implement Sales for his contribution of time and equipment for FFA and vocational agriculture instruction. He was also named an Honorary Chapter Farmer by the Waynesburg F.F.A.
Mr. VanDruff and his wife, Anna Grace were honored as Paul Harris Fellows of Rotary International and by the Waynesburg Lions club for unselfish service during the Christmas season. He was most noted for dressing-up as Santa Claus and visiting many schools, churches, private parties, and family gatherings, bringing joy and smiles to young and old.
He was a member of the Claughton Chapel Methodist Church in Whiteley Township. During a conference at the church he met Anna Grace Dillinger of Dawson, Pa, whom he married on
October 22, 1950. Together they had three sons, who survive, Robert Allen and wife Cynthia of Glassboro, NJ, Roger Lynn and wife Janice of Waynesburg, and Rodney Lee and wife Colleen of Sarver; 4 grandchildren, Jamie L. VanDruff and wife Jackie, and April Michelle VanDruff all of Waynesburg, and Jonathon B. and Richard C. VanDruff both of Sarver; one great-grandson, Tyler Jack VanDruff of Jefferson; and a half-brother, Rev. John Leslie VanDruff and wife Lyn of Springfield, PA.
Deceased is and infant son, Charles Robert VanDruff, a brother Richard Corbly VanDruff, and two sisters and one brother who died in infancy.
Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High St., Waynesburg where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 3, 2012 followed by burial at Fairview-Kiger Cemetery in Whiteley Township. The Waynesburg Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company will hold services at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to any local volunteer fire company or 4-H club.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18