Larry “Mack” Vandergriff, 82, passed away March 24, 2022, at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 5, 1939, to the late Bernard and Ruby (Gehlert) Vandegriff in Preston.
Mack proudly served his country for three years in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Belle High School with the class of 1960.
He was united in marriage to Willadeen Nowack, Oct. 13, 1962, at the First Baptist Church in Jefferson City.
Mack received his certification as a radiological technologist in 1963 and spent several years traveling with Dr. Joseph Summers to area hospitals working in the x-ray departments. He later spent five years supervising the radiology department at the Lebanon, Missouri hospital. He then moved back home to Belle and spent the remainder of his career as supervisor of the radiology department at the Salem Memorial Hospital. He retired in 2005, to devote his full attention to playing the game of golf.
Through the years, he enjoyed several hobbies and side jobs such as riding in horse shows in the reining class with his horse Baby Doll, quail hunting, refereeing at basketball games, announcing at rodeos, working as a farrier, and helping anyone that would ask with their golf swing.
He was preceded in death by parents Bernard and Ruby; siblings Bill Vandegriff, Jay Vandegriff, Dortha Jones and Kay Martin; and two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law.
Mack is survived by wife Willadeen, of 59 years, of the home; sons Aaron David and wife Jana of Ashland, and Gary and wife Lori of Belle; special niece Deana Vandegriff of St. Louis; grandchildren Aaron and wife Kylie of Bland, and Haley Vandegriff of St. Louis; great-grandchildren Rexton and Haven Vandegriff of Bland — they were his greatest enjoyment; and siblings Don Vandegriff of Belle, and Paul Vandegriff and wife Geri of Pacific.
As per Mack’s wishes there will be no funeral service. Interment will be a private family gathering at Liberty Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Belle-Bland Community Center, Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. You are invited to come and share a memory of Mack with us or just stop in and visit with family members. A light lunch will be served. We loved him deeply and will miss his wit and wisdom.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
