Bridgeport Leader

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Do You Remember?

Do You Remember?

Virginia Berry  /  September 29, 2011  /  Views: 372  /   No Comments

Joseph Vangilder

I'm sure you do remember, because it has been just a little over two months. Of course, he was Joe to everyone wherever he went.

His parents were Wendell and Maurine Brian Vangilder. He did have a step-brother, John. But, he chose Rick and Brenda Stangle and considered them his adopted family.

Joe was born in Lawrenceville and went to school there. Joe came to St. Francisville in his early 20's. His dad took over Brian Lumber Company and named it Builder's Supply when he came to St. Francisville.

Most everyone would tell you he loved the river town and its people. That's not all - they loved him, also. After the lumber company closed in St. Francisville, the shop area was a great hang-out for the boys in town until his death, as he loved to work on cars, mostly Fords.

He worked with others, and they co-founded the Dennison Fire Protection District in which he was the first fire chief, as well as the youngest one. He was the fire chief in St. Francisville before D.F.P.D. was founded.

Joe worked a lot with his dad. He then owned and operated Vangilder Oil properties and was a production oil superintendent for ECUS. He also owned and operated Mustang Heaven and was the owner of Mustang Oil Company. He was known all over the Mustang world.

His friends were many in St. Francisville and elsewhere. He went to the Senior Citizens Center regularly and had many friends there. He was a member of the Christian Church in Lawrenceville. Joe participated in the Chestnut Festival by having a car show for several years. He loved Ford vehicles.

One even saw him cleaning his property the very day he died. He didn't sit around much at all. Joe was an asset to St. Francisville in many ways. He is missed.

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