Walter “Lee” Vanoer, 87, died on Saturday, February 16, 2013.
Lee was born on May 3, 1925 to the late Robert Hamilton and Amanda Catherine (Wallace) Vanoer in Riceville, Tn.
He was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga. He served 28 months as a Buck Sergeant E-4 in the U.S. Army serving during WWII in the 91th Mortar Battalion. After his military service, he worked as a sheet metal worker from 1946 until he his retirement in July 1987. During this time period, he served as Business Manager and Agent of Local 51 (now Local 5) for 18 years. As an apprentice, he helped construct the Coke-a-Cola bottles that many have seen at Eagle Stadium and later at AT&T Field.
He served with the Chattanooga Building Trades, Chattanooga Labor Council Chattanooga Ventures and United Way of Chattanooga; and was a member of the American Legion #1 in Titusville, FL. He delivered Meals on Wheels in Chattanooga and Titusville. Many years ago, he served as a member of the Hickory Valley Civitans, Hamilton County Auxiliary Police and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.
He joined East Chattanooga Church of God in 1942 where he learned to love gospel music. His passions in life included his love for the Lord, his loving family, his dedication to his work and service to community and country. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to family and friends. Lee will be deeply missed his loving family and by all who had the pleasure to meet and know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carl Carson (Wilma) Vanoer, Bruce Edward (Evadine) Vanoer, Ray Vanoer, Earl Vanoer; sisters, Maude Wilma Vanoer, Blanche Vanoer and Ella Mae (James Walter) Dixon; grandparents, Richard and Betsy Snyder Vanover.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Myers Vanoer; son, Richard Lee Vanoer; daughters, Robin Vanoer Rice and Debbie Vanoer (Mark) Carpenter; grandchildren, Laura Rice, Christopher Rice, and Amanda Carpenter (James) Holland; brothers, Clyde (Lavada) Vanoer, Bert (Martha) Vanoer, son-in-law, Michael Rice, and several loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Grady Cooper, Reverend Mark Carpenter and Reverend Ernie Reno officiating.
Burial will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visit www.heritagefh.com share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.