Richard Vos of Pella passed away Saturday, July 26, 2014, at the Knoxville Hospital, attaining the advanced age of 94 years. Funeral services were held Sunday, July 27, 2014, at 6 p.m. at the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery at Pella. Memorials in his memory may be designated for the Pella Christian Schools or World Renew.
Richard Vos was born Apr. 29, 1920, near Sully. He was the sixth of 11 children born to Dirk and Jennie (Bruxvoort) Vos. Richard received his education at Sully Christian School attending through the eighth grade. Richard was introduced to Wilma Catherine Bandstra after a Sunday evening worship service. He was inducted into the United States Army on Jan. 1, 1942, and served his country honorably. He saw conflict in the Pacific theatre and was severely wounded in battle while on the island of New Guinea. His wound left Richard with little function of his right arm and for his bravery and courage, the Army awarded Richard the Purple Heart medal. He separated from the Army in March of 1944, receiving an honorable discharge. While on leave from the Army, Richard and Wilma were united in marriage on Mar. 31, 1943, at the home of her parents, Bart and Mary (Vander Voort) Bandstra, near Oskaloosa. To this union four children were born: Kenneth D. on Aug. 16, 1945; Keith A. on Feb. 19, 1949; Stuart L. on Jan. 8, 1953 and Susan G. on Oct. 10, 1955.
Richard made his career working for Boat’s Home Furnishings and played a major role in the drapery department for 40 years, retiring in 1984. Richard enjoyed listening to gospel music and woodworking in his spare time.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Wilma (Bandstra) Vos; three children: Kenneth D. (Sandy) Vos of Johnson City, TX, Keith (Linda) Vos of Pipe Creek, TX, and Susan (Joe) Massey of Grand Junction, CO; a daughter-in-law, Janet Vos of Georgetown, TX; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Of Richard’s original family, he leaves two brothers: Paul D. (Marilyn) Vos and Harold (Carolyn) Vos, and a sister, Laura Slings, all of Pella; and his sisters-in-law: Annette Vos of Grandville, MI, and Alma Vos of Pella.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Stuart Lee who died in 1989; a sister, Helen, who died in infancy; brothers: Marion Vos, John Vos, Bernie (Johanna) Vos, William (Marjorie) Vos; sisters: Adriana (Jake) Jansen, Clazena (Henry) Roelofsen, Durkie (Wm.) Bandstra; brother-in-law, Andrew Slings; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Vos.
Richard was a faithful member of the Second Christian Reformed Church. He considered it a valuable experience to connect with his Dutch ancestry and heritage. He fondly remembered singing the Dutch Psalms at the evening Dutch church services, and the subsequent family meals at a table set for 13.
