Francis "Bud" Vandiver

Memorial Services for Francis L. "Bud" Vandiver will be conducted from the Holdrege Memorial Homes Chapel in Holdrege, Nebraska on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Jean Clayton and Father Thomas Lux officiating. Private family interment will be held prior to the memorial services in the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege with military honors provided by the Martin Horn American Legion Post #66 of Holdrege in conjunction with the U.S. Navy Military Honors Team.

Francis Loren "Bud" Vandiver, 92 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the Holdrege Memorial Homes. Bud was born February 21, 1919 at Norton, Kansas, the 2nd of 5 children born to Vern and Nellie Laura (Hoover) Vandiver. He received his education from Norton Community High School, graduating with the class of 1937.

On February 7, 1941 he enlisted in the United States Navy for a six year tour of duty. After basic training he was assigned to duty on the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Pensacola. This cruiser took part in most of the engagements in the Pacific theater of war. The ship was awarded thirteen major battle stars and one unit citation. The ship suffered heavy damage from an enemy torpedo, in one of the night time surface battles, and heavy loss of personnel. The ship also received damage and loss of personnel from taking direct hits from enemy shore batteries and being strafed by enemy air craft.

In January of 1945, Mr. Vandiver was relieved of his duties on the Pensacola and was transferred out of the war zone to attend school on advanced gunnery in Washington D.C. Upon completing the schooling he was assigned to the new heavy cruiser U.S.S. Macon, which was being built in Philadelphia, PA navy yard. He was advanced to First Class N.C.O. with the rank of First Class Turret Captain. He finished his naval career at the end of five years; eleven months served and received an honorable discharge on January 6, 1947.

While assigned to the U.S.S. Macon, he met Doris G. Turgeon of Lawrence, Massachusetts and the couple were united in marriage on June 22, 1946 in Lawrence. To this union two daughters were born: Linda and Teresa.

After his naval discharge, the Vandivers lived in Lawrence for a period of time. Then in 1948, they relocated to Norton, Kansas, where Bud started a career of 33 years with Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company, known as Kinder Morgan. In 1950, Vandivers were transferred to Phillipsburg, Kansas. In 1952 they received a transfer to Holdrege as superintendent of KN pipe coating and materials storage depot of Holdrege. Bud retired from KN Energy in April of 1981.

In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, trap shooting, hunting, fishing and bowling. He was a member of the Martin Horn American Legion Post #66.


He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Vandiver and his wife, Nita; three sisters: Thelma Brown, Donna Stephen, and Betty Richards and her husband, Bob.

He is survived by his wife, Doris of Holdrege; two daughters: Linda Haney and her husband, David of Salina, Kansas and Teresa Williams and her husband, Steve of Holdrege; three grandchildren: Jason Haney and his wife, Janice, Chad Williams and Kara Dizmang and her husband, Shannon; four great-grandchildren: Jade and Joy Haney and Kyle and Zachery Dizmang; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

A memorial has been established in his memory and kindly suggested to the Holdrege Memorial Homes.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.