This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Vandruff, Chapman, Hagethorn, Bewley Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/CAC.2ACI/624 Message Board Post: From the Austin American-Statesman Austin, Texas (Travis County) Saturday, April 5, 2003 Jesse King Vandruff passed into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at the age of 98 years, 8 months, and 21 days. Jesse was born on August 11, 1904, in Alva, Oklahoma. On June 2, 1928, he was joined in marriage to Erma Caroline Chapman in Wichita, Kansas. Two sons were born to this union: Merle Duane on February 2, 1930, and Neil Dwight on January 1, 1932. On February 11, 1963, Erma entered eternal life. On April 3, 1971, Jesse King and Clara Alma Hagethorn were joined in holy matrimony in Long Beach, California, where they resided for the next twenty years until moving to Austin, Texas, in 1991. Sowing the seeds of love - that's what Jesse did for many years of his life. And a big love it was, his garden and all the amazing fruits and vegetables he grew each year for Alma to lovingly can and freeze. Visitors to their home were always given a special tour of the yard, both front and back, with the fragrant flowers, fruit-bearing trees, row after row of vegetables and, i! n one corner, the pond with king-size gold fish. A special love of Jesse's was his woodworking. He was always working on a new project; and when completed, he often had dozens of the same item - ready for family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes strangers. He was always willing to share his skill and his knowledge; and everyone loved learning from him because he was so willing to teach them how to turn a simple piece of wood into a masterpiece. Jesse was a proud man, a giving man. He was proud of his service as a 32nd degree Mason. His love of life itself could be seen in his work and his hobbies. He understood the gifts that God gave him and shared them with those he loved. Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Clara Alma Vandruff; son, Merle Duane Vandruff and his wife, Betty Ann of Murrieta, California, son, Neil Dwight Vandruff and his wife, Beverly Ann of Hemet, California; step-son, Thomas Bewley and his wife, Renee of Austin, Texas; and the blessing of nine grandchi! ldren and several great-grandchildren. As we pause to celebrate the li fe of Jesse King Vandruff, we give thanks for his life which has made our lives fuller, richer, and more valuable because he has touched us. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2003 at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2003 at Manchaca United Methodist Church. Entombment to follow at Onion Creek Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Manchaca United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 460 Manchaca, Texas 78652