CMSgt. Robert Edd Vanderhoef, USAF (Ret.)

CMSgt. Robert Edd Vanderhoef, USAF (Ret.), 87, entered into rest on Thursday, December 28, 2023.

Robert was born on January 8, 1936, in Wadena, Minnesota to the late Edd and Blanche Vanderhoef.  He grew up in Staples, Minnesota where he attended and graduated from high school. He then went on to honorably serve his country for 30 years as a Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force from September 1, 1954 to September 30, 1984. He had jobs such as aerospace photo system technician, weather equipment technician, weather equipment superintendent, and weather equipment manager. While enlisted, he earned awards such as a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his service, he worked for CEGELEC Automation, Inc. where he worked in the parts department for six years, then went on to drive cars for local car dealerships in his area. A man of faith, Robert was a former longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church, and more recently, Bonaire Church. He also often volunteered for First United Methodist Church’s food pantry. Robert was a good husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family whenever he could. He will be deeply missed by those who love him.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Henderson Vanderhoef, son, Alton Randall Vanderhoef and sister, Evelyn Vanderhoef.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, Anne Vanderhoef; children, Barbara Kimball of Warner Robins, Lori Dalton of Bonaire, Michael Vanderhoef of California, Alan Bruce of Ocala, Luann Causey of Warner Robins, and Russell Bruce of Brevard, NC; along with 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, several beloved nieces and nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

A memorial gathering will be Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Bonaire Church.  A memorial service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. at Bonaire Church.  Afterward, Robert will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery in a private family committal.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Robert Vanderhoef to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or First United Methodist Church Food Pantry at 205 N. Davis Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31093.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family.  McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.