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VandeWall, Marion George (1933-2021)

VANDEWALL, YOUNT

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/25/2021 at 19:41:03

Marion George VandeWall, 88, of Altoona, Iowa, died Thursday, October 21, 2021, after battling Liver Cancer. Vandy (Marion George VandeWall), was born Oct 9, 1933, to Peter and Gertrude VandeWall, Leighton, Iowa. He graduated from Alleman High School in 1952. Vandy proudly joined and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from June, 1952, to June 1956. Vandy was united in marriage with Beverly Ann Yount in 1958. Vandy graduated from Drake University with a Master of Science in Education Administration in 1960. Vandy started working for the Des Moines School District in 1958 and then was employed with the Mid Iowa Computer Center. After retiring, Vandy continued to consult with several School Distrist across Iowa. Vandy was heavily involved into the horse industry, mostly in the American Saddlebred and Hackney world, in the form of being a horse show official.

Vandy is survived by beloved wife, Beverly of 63 years. Preceding Vandy in death were his parents, Pete and Gertrude VandeWall; his parent-in-laws, Wilbur and Lillian Yount and his three sisters, one brother-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no visitation or service. Family will have a private service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in honor of Vandy at the International Saddlebred Hall of Fame at the historic Simmon’s Stables, 701 W Boulevard St., Mexico MO 65265. Saddlebredhalloffame.org

Vandy started by being the show secretary for the Iowa State Fair in 1961. He has been an announcer, ringmaster and show manager for the Des Moines Springfest Horse Show, Tulsa Horse Show, National Morgan Horse Show, Rock Creek Horse Show, Tampa Horse Show, Denver Stock Show, Lexington Jr League, St Louis Charity Horse Show, KY State Fair to just to name a few of the numerous horse shows all over the United States. In 1984, Vandy designed and implemented a computer software and service for the operation of tabulating the three judges’ card system for national horse shows that is still being used today at horse shows across the country.

Vandy was inducted into the Iowa Horsemen’s Hall of Fame, International Saddlebred Hall of Fame, and was celebrated and highlighted by the American Saddlebred Museum historical featured video story. Vandy’s Ringmaster coat is on display at the American Royal Museum in Kansas City, MO. In 1990, Vandy was named “Show Manager of the Year” by the United Professional Horsemen’s’ Association and the American Royal, Kansas City, which he managed for many years, was named the UPHA Horse show of the Year. After retiring his Ringmaster red coat and his horse show manager files, Vandy still played a mean game of Golf with his “fivesome”buddies. Always hosting a Kentucky Derby parties with a good glass of Brandy (or Scotch) with close friends. Vandy was a spectator at all his nieces and nephews elementary to college sport activities. Vandy and Bev traveled the midwest horse show circuit to cheer on his niece, Debbie Yount and Great niece, Jade Woods to several victories within the Saddlebred and Hackney horse show world.

Vandy will be dearly missed by his friends and family!


 

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