GALLUP, NM – The family of Navajo Code Talker, Cpl. Joe Vandever Sr. USMC has humbly asked for a funeral escort on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from Gallup, NM to Santa Fe, NM.
Staging Details for 2/6/20 Thursday
Staging time: 0800 Cope Memorial Chapel, 1830 Barbara Ave, Gallup, NM 87301
KSU: 9:00am
Gas Stop: 11:00am gas station at Route 66 Casino Hotel
Destination: 1:00pm Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Route: 1-40 East and I-25 North to Santa Fe (202 miles, approx. 3.2 hours)
Burial Service begins at 1:30pm at Santa Fe National Cemetery
A Celebration of Life, Joe Vandever Sr.
TUES Feb.4 – Viewing 3:00-5:00pm, Cope Memorial Chapel, Gallup NM.
WED Feb.5 – Funeral Service 10am-12:30pm, El Morro Theatre, Gallup NM. Lunch at Gallup Army National Guard at 2pm.
THURS Feb.6 – Burial at 1:30pm, Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe NM.
“On January 31, 2020, a great warrior, my grandfather Joe Vandever, Sr. passed away. Among over 400 Dine (Navajo) men, he too was a Navajo Code Talker. He honored our country by serving in World War II as a translator of an unbreakable code that led to our country’s triumph. Till the day my grandfather left this world to be with my grandmother and his family gone before him, he used our Dine language sacredly, our unbreakable language. His life has been full of helping others, giving all his love and bringing honor to the Dine way of life through his continued teachings. As such, he deserves an honorable send-off, this letter is to request your organization’s assistance in this task,” stated Shaylee Vandever.
“Joe Vandever Sr., one of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers, passed due to health complications in Haystack, NM on the morning of January 31, 2020 at the age of 96. He was born on Feb. 5, 1923 into the Red Running Into the Water People clan, born for Two Who Came to the Water clan. He was married for 73 years to his wife, Bessie D. Vandever, who passed on Sept. 24, 2019.
Survivors include sister Mary Vandever Delgarito; sons Gary, Tracy, Obie, Joe Jr., and Lester Vandever; daughters Beth Nez, Phegie Vandever Slim, Sheila Vandever Nez; 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents Emma and Walter Vandever; wife Bessie D. Vandever; son Anthony Vandever; and grandsons Charleston, Antonio, and Travis Vandever. Services are being arranged with Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, NM. Burial will be in Santa Fe National Cemetery.
Vandever enlisted in Santa Fe, NM on Mar. 26, 1943 and was discharged as Corporal on Jan. 22, 1946. He served in northern Solomons, Bougainville, Emirau Islands, Guam, Marianas Islands, Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands, Occupation of Japan, and Occupation of China.” (statement from the Vandever family)
On behalf of Navajo Hopi Honor Riders, we send our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the Vandever family. We whole heartedly thank Cpl. Joe Vandever Sr. for his service in the USMC, World War II. May you rest in peace Marine and may you never be forgotten. #unbrokenCode #NavajoStrong #NavajoCodeTalkers
Contact: Shaylee (granddaughter) svandever01@gmail.com
