James Kenneth Vandervort

James (Ken) Kenneth VanDervort, 100, passed away on November 13, 2024. He died in Love, with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of a full and wonderful life.

He was born in DuBois, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Edna VanDervort as the ninth child in a family of eleven children.

For his first 80 years he lived in DuBois, PA, mostly at his boyhood home, which he helped build with his father. It was built next door to the house he was born in. Aging, he spent 17 years at Forest Hills in Meadville and his last three years at Juniper Village in Meadville.

He was married in February 1951 to Harriet June Henry, who was also the ninth child in a family of eleven children. They were happily married for 35 years and had two boys. His wife died unexpectedly in 1986. The remaining years of his life he spent alone, romancing her memory.

The sources of his joy and wonderment were his Christian Methodist faith, his wife and boys, his time in the Navy serving in Lighter than Air blimps on the island of Trinidad off the coast of Venezuela, and the family camp, “White Pine Camp,” that he built and maintained with his brothers. Also, a highlight for him was all his years in Scouting as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer leader, leading 16 boys to the rank of Eagle Scout. He traveled across the country four times, including once in an old school bus outfitted for camping, with 30 boys, to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Later in life, he continued traveling with family and working outdoors as long as he was able. Living and driving independently until age 97, Dad lived by the advice his father gave to him: “Try to leave the world a little better than you found it.” He did!

He leaves behind two sons, both Chiropractors, Dr. Jack VanDervort (Maureen) of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Dr. Terry VanDervort (Lissa) of Fort Mill, South Carolina; two granddaughters, Sarah Elizabeth VanDervort Hunter (Shawn) of Richmond, Virginia, and Jennifer Cetto (Corey) of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and one great-granddaughter, Merrin Cetto.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Ethan James VanDervort.

His last days were spent at Juniper Village surrounded by their amazing loving staff, Gentiva Hospice and the beautiful group of caregivers and Brad Glancy “Blessed to be a Blessing.” Angels on earth, one and all!

Interment will be at Morningside Cemetery in DuBois with a small family memorial service there. Arrangements have been entrusted to ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. 581 CHESTNUT ST. MEADVILLE.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.roseandwaidfh.com