MICHAEL DAVID “MIKE” VANOVER
Michael David ‘Mike” Vanover, 72, of Connersville, passed away early morning Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at his home.
He was born June 4, 1947, in Lynch, Kentucky, but grew up in London, Kentucky. His parents were Jack Vanover Sr. and Mary Louise Reams Vanover. He served in Vietnam from August 10, 1966 to June 5, 1968. His service was in the Army.
He moved to Connersville in 1970, and worked at Roots Blower until he became manager at Plaza Lanes, which he later purchased.
He married Beth Greene June 10, 1989, in the First United Methodist Church in Connersville.
He was a member of Warren Lodge #15 F&AM and was proud of his son who became Worshipful Master. He also was a member of the Lions Club.
In his leisure time, he bowled in tournaments here and out of state. But his real love was playing golf with his many friends.Going home to see his family in Kentucky or taking trips with his Indiana family gave him much joy.
He also supported the CHS bowling team by providing a place to practice and lending his expertise. Saturday, March 27, the team was in Fort Wayne at State and received third place. They posted they had lost a leader, mentor, and friend. Gone but not forgotten. #strikeformike
Those that knew him well would say he was laid back and calm but look out for that wicked sense of humor, guaranteed to bring a laugh or smile. That will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Beth, and their only child, Kelsi Vanover; a son, Matt Vanover, and grandson, Aaron Vanover, and a stepson, Darrin Shelley. Both were sons with his first wife, who passed away. He is also survived by two brothers, Russell (Helen) Vanover Sr., Randall Vanover, and Jack Vanover, all of London, Kentucky; two sisters, Linda Burkhart and Martha (Tracy) Baker, of London, Kentucky; two sisters in law, Kristi (Jeff) Martin, of Connersville, and Lisa (Brad) Caldwell, of St. Peters, Missouri; and his father and mother-in-law, Dr. Phil and Donna Greene. Also surviving are a nephew and nieces in Missouri, one niece and three nephews in Connersville; five nephews and one niece in London, and five great nephews and six great nieces in London.
Deceased grandparents are Mack and Minnie Cochran Reams and George Vanover Sr. and Maggie Hobbs Vanover, of London, Kentucky; and Beth’s grandmother, Pansye Neal, of Connersville, to whom he was very close.
Visitation for Mike will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Connersville. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., at the funeral home, with Pastor Frank Oakman officiating. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.