HARTFORD, Ky. — David Eugene Vanover, 66, of Hartford, formerly of Henderson, Kentucky, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, went to join his wife in Heaven on March 5, 2025, at Owensboro Regional Hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky.
We find comfort in knowing our parents are reunited in paradise. During his last days, David assured us, “I’m good with Jesus.”
David devoted his life to taking care of his wife, Teresa Rutledge Vanover, until she passed on March 4, 2016. David was a loving father and grandfather. His two daughters and his grandchildren were the lights of his life. All that he did, he did out of love for them.
If you knew David, you knew he loved the sport of baseball and grew that passion into being quite a successful player during his high school days. David passed the love of that sport onto his two daughters, Chasity and Tiffany, and then later onto his grandsons. David never missed one of their games. He loved his three granddaughters. No matter how far he had to drive, the financial sacrifices he had to make, or what it took, he made sure he was in the stands supporting and “coaching” the ones he loved, whether it be a baseball game, archery tournament, or cheerleading competition. David would take his grandchildren anywhere they needed to go and often would instigate mischief with the triplets and his two grandsons.
David’s sense of humor was unmatched. He was quick-witted, and even in his last days, there were several names he would jokingly call out to his grandchildren. Last but not least, David adored his two great-grandsons and his great-granddaughter, who has yet to arrive. Poppy’s eyes lit up when he was able to hold those babies and always looked forward to visits with them.
David began his work career with his father at Karges Furniture in Evansville, Indiana. He then transitioned to working for Firestone, which later became Accuride, until the union went out on strike, never to return. From there, David held many different jobs to support his family.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Rutledge Vanover; his mother, Linda Ayers; his father, Donald Vanover; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Gerald Sue Rutledge; his brother-in-law, Mike Rutledge; and his great-grandchild, Baby Leslie.
David is survived by his two daughters, Chasity (David) Blakeley, of Hartford, and Tiffany (Nick Helfert) Rolley, of Evansville, Indiana. David is also survived by his grandchildren, Kaleb (Jordan) Gregory, of Hartford, Kaitlyn Rolley, of Evansville, Chloe (Owen) Meadows, of Henderson, Kobie (Landon Leslie), of Clay, Kentucky, and Jacob Gregory, of Hartford; two great-grandchildren, Wilder and Knox David Leslie, of Clay, and soon-to-arrive, Sophia Meadows, of Henderson. David is also survived by his brother, Harold (Phyllis) Vanover, of McLeansboro, Illinois, several nieces and nephews, friends, and family.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to Dr. Kitchens and Dr. Hayden of Owensboro Health, Signature Healthcare of Hartford, and his dear friend, Betty Burden for the care and love they showed our father.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 3 p.m. at Tomblinson Funeral Home, Henderson Chapel, with Pastor Kyle Hall officiating.
The visitation will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
