Donald Vanderryt

Donald Eugene VanDerryt was born on April 27, 1936 in Paxton, Illinois to Wayne and Evelyn VanDerryt, and entered into heaven on July 27, 2012 surrounded at home by his family. He was the youngest of three and is survived by his brother Harold VanDerryt and sister Erma Jean Shumate. He entered the Air Force where he served as an air borne radar technician in 1954. He flew in missions in and around Vietnam. Don is credited with designing and building a "Dual Motor Generator Control Unit" as well as other related control units. His career enabled his family to live in several military bases across the country where friendships were made with many families, finally settling in Navarre on his retirement in June 1974. After his retirement from the Air Force, Don worked as an Electronic Technician III for various contractors at the radar systems nearby. At one point in his career, he could be seen rowing a canoe across the sound to work at the radar station on the beach oftentimes catching fish for lunch. He retired from this career after 30 years. Don was extremely active in the Holley Navarre Fire Protection District. He first joined the department soon after his daughter, Teresa, was injured in a car accident. Desiring to help protect other families, Don started the Rescue Unit of the HNFD. Don served in the positions of firefighter, Asst. Chief, Chief and EMT until his health prevented him from continuing. He also served as fire commissioner soon after the new station was built. Don was highly active in Navarre United Methodist Church. He was a founding member of the church when it first met at the water department. He helped with the planning for the church where it sits today. He shared his love of the Lord through his studies and teachings of the Bible. He served as a lay minister and was known for his kind heart and devotion to friends and those in need. For many years, Don was Santa Claus for families struggling with finances in the Holley-Navarre area. With his wife and daughter he helped found the Caring and Sharing program which is still active and growing today. Don is survived by his loving wife Ruby whom he married after sixty-two days of courtship on August 23, 1956. Their 56 year love affair has been a great inspiration to their children. He is also survived by eldest son, Ricky and his wife Shirley, daughter Teresa and her husband John, and youngest son David. Also by his grandchildren Robert VanDerryt and his wife Amber; Charlotte Rose VanDerryt; Stephen Willoughby and his wife Sonia, Lucas Willoughby, Bradley Willoughby, and Joel Willoughby and his great grandchildren: Rebecca, Raley and Sam VanDerryt, and Viola Willoughby. Several in-laws, special among these is Erlene Stack, good friend Jim Wheeler and his family from Georgia, several nieces and nephews, as well as his church family members. In lieu of flowers, family would appreciate donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and the Covenant Hospice of Pensacola. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday, at Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at the Navarre United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery Gulf Breeze.

Visitation

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
5:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Navarre United Methodist Church
9474 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL  32566
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Burial

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563