Bobby Vanover 81, of Hanson, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at Hillside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Madisonville. Bobby Gene Vanover was born September 21, 1942 in McLean County, Kentucky to the late Raymond Andrew and Wilma Frances Stratton Vanover and was married to the former Wanda Faye Hardin on February 2, 1996. Bobby was a man of unwavering integrity and warmth. His story is one of love, hard work, and dedication—a narrative that will be passed down through generations.
Bobby’s professional life was marked by his career at Peabody Coal Company, where he retired as a miner after more than 30 years of service. As a supervisor of maintenance and heavy equipment, he was respected for his expertise and his ability to lead with both strength and compassion. His colleagues remember him not just as a supervisor, but as a mentor and a friend.
While work may have been his primary hobby, Bobby also found solace and pleasure in fishing and gardening. These activities reflected his love for the tranquility of nature and the simple joys of life. Bobby’s commitment to his community was evident through his membership at the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Madisonville, where he cultivated many cherished relationships and served with humility.
Those who knew Bobby would describe him as kind, gentle, and friendly. He approached life with a quiet confidence and a readiness to lend a hand or a listening ear. His presence was a source of comfort and stability to everyone around him. Bobby leaves behind a family who loved him, friends who respected him, and a community that was better for his contributions. His memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 28 years, Faye Vanover; three daughters, Shelly Riney (Jeff), Sherri Smith (Scott) both of Owensboro, and Becky Frodge (Greg) of Swanee, Georgia; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and a brother, Ray Vanover (Amelia) of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Calhoun Cemetery in McLean County. Friends may visit with Bobby’s family from 11:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Musters in Calhoun.
The Bobby Vanover family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Calhoun Cemetery, Iron Fence Restoration Fund; C/O John Howard; 400 Guy Settle Loop; Calhoun, Kentucky 42327.
Bobby’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 2:00 P.M. Saturday.
Share your memories and photos of Bobby at musterfuneralhomes.com.