Van Dyke, Dr. Robert C. 1925-2007

VAN DYKE, ROBINSON

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2008 at 19:43:02

Dr. Robert C. (Doc) Van Dyke, 82, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2007 at Core Nursing Home in Evansville, Indiana. Graveside services were held at Masonic Cemetery In Jamesport, Missouri at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Arrangements were by McWilliams Family Funeral Home, Inc., Gallatin, Missouri, 64640.

Robert Critten Van Dyke was born May 17, 1925 on a farm outside Jamesport, Missouri. He was the son of Virgil and Eva Van Dyke. He attended and graduated from Jamesport High School in 1942. He was united in marriage to Doris Robinson on March 4, 1944.

Doc joined the United States Navy during World War II and served our country as an electrician's mate for a period of two years. After an honorable discharge he attended Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas and became a licensed veterinarian. His internship was in Allerton and Newton, Iowa. He and Doris moved to Pella, Iowa in 1952, where he practiced veterinary medicine in large and small animal health. He was an expert in swine consultation.

Due to health problems, Doc and Doris moved to Heber Springs, Arkansas in 1968 where they opened a small animal clinic. He sold his practice in 1982 and they took a one-year tour of duty with World Concern as veterinary missionaries in Haiti. When the tour of duty ended, Doc went to work for the Department of Agriculture as a swine and poultry inspector, retiring after seven years. Doc and Doris were active members of the Gideon's International for many years.

His wife Doris preceded Doc in death, in 2005. They were married 61 years. He then relocated to the Henderson, Ky.-Evansville, In. area.

Survivors include his four children, Brenda Sue Logan of Bedford, Texas, Rex (Leann) Van Dyke of Manchester, Iowa, Donna Briggs of Henderson, Kentucky and Robin (Jeanne) Van Dyke of West Plains, Missouri. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Steven Logan, Mark (Kristy) Logan, Doug Briggs, Rebecca (Keith) Hudson, Jennifer (Derek) Harksen, Angela Van Dyke, and Asha Roberts; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Lowell (Rilla) Van Dyke of Kansas City, Missouri and one sister, Marilyn Paris of Hale, Missouri.

If desired in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gideon's International.

The Pella Chronicle, May 11, 2007