Geoffrey Vandewart

VANDEWART, GEOFFREY ALLEN Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 P.M., Friday, December 17, 2010 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel, for Geoffrey Allen Vandewart, age 59, of Roswell, who passed away December 13, 2010. Rev. Richard Smith will officiate with interment to follow at South Park Cemetery.

Jeff, as he was known to his friends and family, was born December 6, 1951 to James Manning Vandewart and Bobby Lee Basham Vandewart, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph Allen Vandewart and Hallie Manning Vandewart and Terry Teel Basham and Grace Pearl Watson Basham.

Jeff married Linda Kay Maxwell Vandewart, April 21, 1979 in Roswell, NM. The preacher accidentally wrote Linda Mae on the marriage license. He affectionately called her Linda Mae for the rest of his life.

He spent his early years raised on the Vandewarts ranch, the Eagle Aerie, Flying H, NM. He attended grade school at Penasco and attended New Mexico Military Institute from 1967 to 1969. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1970. He attended ENMU, Roswell, where he received his AP degree.

At a young age Jeff developed a love for flying. During that time, he received his multiengine commercial pilot license and flew for small companies.

In the late 70s Jeff worked as a police officer for the Roswell Police Department. He left this job to join the United States Army in 1980 to serve his country.

Jeff was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri for basic training, later attending Warrant Officer Candidate School at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. After receiving his wings, Jeff was an instructor pilot for the Cobra helicopter, later becoming an instructor pilot for the AH64 Apache helicopter. He was instrumental in designing the panel for the Apache Longbow. During his 20 year military career, he served at Ft. Hood, Texas, Enterprise, Alabama, Ansbach, Germany, and Korea. While stationed in Germany, Jeffs unit was the first attack helicopter squadron deployed to Iraq during Desert Storm where he bravely fought for our country.

Upon retiring in 2000 as a CW4 Chief Warrant Officer 4, Jeff accepted a position for Seair, a government contractor, at Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, AZ where he flew fixed wing and helicopter. He later went to work for civil service as an Environmental Protection Specialist at Yuma Proving Ground.

Jeff and his family returned to Roswell, his home town, in September 2006

He was of the Baptist Faith.

Survivors include Linda, his wife of 32 years, of the home. His son, Billy R. BurrVandewart, Roswell, NM, his daughter, Staci A. Vandewart, Roswell, NM, a brother Michael O. Vandewart, Pilot Point, Texas three grandchildren, Jeremy Smith, Las Cruces, NM, Jodi Mize, Ruidoso, NM and Presli K. Bornemann, Roswell, NM and two great grandchildren Gwen and Luke Smith, Las Cruces, NM. He is also survived by a special aunt, Ceil Vandewart, San Angelo, Texas, a dear childhood friend, Lynette Grant, of Texas and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members whom he dearly loved.

Pallbearers will be: Burr Vandewart, Mike Vandewart, Ken Maxwell, Paul Maxwell, Cody Maxwell, John Knight, Aaron Bornemann and Jeremy Smith.

Thank you, Jeff, for your service to our great country. You are our hero

Friends may pay their respects online at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

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