Henry Vansittert

HENRY "BUTCH" VAN SITTERT Henry Herbert Van Sittert, son of Henry Adolph and Berta May Lattimer Van Sittert was born, July 4, 1943 in Independence, Missouri. He departed this life, Saturday, January 19, 2008 in his home, Climax Springs, Missouri at the age of sixty-four years, six months and fifteen days. On February 2, 1983 in Norfolk, Virginia, he was united in marriage to Dorothy. Together they shared the past twenty-five years. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of the home; three sons, Dennis Kraus of Climax Springs, Missouri, Daniel Van Sittert and wife Lee Ann currently stationed in Kaneheo, Hawaii and John Van Sittert of Independence, Missouri; a daughter, Christine Ransdell and husband Mitchell of Clinton, Missouri; eight grandchildren; two sister, Nadine Casey of Independence, Missouri and Annette Whitfield and husband Jack of Zionsville, Indiana and a host of other relatives and friends. Butch was raised in Independence, Missouri and attended St. Mary's Catholic School there. While a student, he excelled at football, baseball and other sports, and received many medals, awards and honors. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and Operation Granada. He made a career of the Navy where he served in the Military Police. He retired after twenty-two years service to his county. The family moved to Climax Springs, Missouri eighteen years ago. He served as Climax Springs Board Director, was Alderman for the City of Climax Springs and was active in community affairs. He owned and operated Osage Arms where he was a concealed weapons instructor. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 3600 in Climax Springs, Missouri. In his spare time, he enjoyed outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing and golf. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Butch was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his many accomplishments will cherish all the memories he created for his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 26, 2008 in Fist Baptist Church of Climax Springs. Burial with full military honors will follow in Climax Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday in the church. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Climax Springs and left at the funeral home or the church.