Jon K. Vanatta's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Jon K. Vanatta, age 76 of Charleston, was in the comforting presence of his home and family when he went to be with his Lord and Savior and joined his Heavenly family on Sunday, October 25, 2015. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, October 30, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at the Hurricane Creek Baptist Church located south of Charleston on State Highway 130, with Pastor Rick Emrich officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Hurricane Creek Baptist Church (Building Fund). Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Jon Kenison Vanatta was born March 15, 1939 in Aurora, IL to the late Claude and Jessie "Betty" (Hunt) Vanatta. He married Barbara J. Parker on September 17, 1977 in Charleston at the Central Christian Church. They have celebrated 38 years of a marriage filled with love and friendship. In addition to Barb, he is survived by three sons, Jeff Vanatta and wife Janet of Charleston, Jay Vanatta and wife Bernadette of Valmeyer, IL and Benjamin Vanatta and wife Rebecca of Charleston; 7 grandchildren with another on the way, Kaylee and Jaynie Vanatta of Valmeyer, Jessi and Jeb Vanatta of Charleston; and Gabriel, Ezekiel and Caleb of Charleston; two sisters-in-law, Fern Hunt of Rapid City, SD and Elaine Gregory of Greenup, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Benny and Richard Vanatta and Duane Hunt. Jon was a 1957 graduate of Charleston High School and furthered his education at Eastern Illinois University. For many years he was employed as a carpenter with the Reasor Corp. and Sturdi-built before establishing his own company, Vanatta Construction, which he owned and operated for 25 years. Jon was a farmer at heart. Early on as a young man he was a FFA and 4-H member and has been actively farming for many years. Jon also owned Vanatta Tree Farm and for the past 15 years was a familiar face at the Charleston and Mattoon Farmer's Markets where he sold his fresh produce. Many looked forward to his sweet corn every summer - it was the best! Jon's life was a witness to his strong and abiding Christian faith. It was the foundation and cornerstone upon which he built his life and he tried to live it accordingly, allowing it to be an example to others. He was a member of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church and served his church family as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher for all ages, and led an Adult Bible Study. He was a participant with the Holy Hands Puppet and Drama Ministry and was witness to his Christian beliefs on certain topics through the editorial page of the local newspaper. He enjoyed flying and held a private pilot's license as a member of the Coles County Flying Club. Jon and Barb loved to go camping and wintering in Pharr, TX with the other snowbirds. His love for the outdoors allowed him to enjoy such hobbies as hunting and fishing along with numerous other activities with his grandchildren and other family members. Jon's life was centered round his family and its importance inspired him to do extensive research on family genealogy. He was a devoted and dedicated husband, father and grandfather whose love for his family and friends could be felt and seen through all that he did. They will always hold dear their many fond memories.Click to view Jon's memorial video.
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