Charles Edwin Vandiver
Dec. 18, 1943 ~ Jan. 11, 2024
Charles Edwin Vandiver, 80, of Meeker, Colorado, passed away on Jan. 11, 2024. Dr. Vandiver was born in Monahans, Texas, on Dec. 18, 1943. He went through all 12 public school grades in Hobbs, New Mexico, and played on the Hobbs Eagles basketball team under Coach Ralph Tasker. He attended Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, on a basketball scholarship. He married Dee Anna Robison on May 30, 1964, in Amarillo, Texas. Dr. Vandiver graduated from Baylor Dental School in Dallas, Texas, in 1970 and established a dental practice in the Dallas area before moving to Meeker in 1971, where he introduced modern, preventative dentistry and continued to serve his patients for 47 years.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, James Edwin and Syllrene Vandiver of Hobbs, New Mexico. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Dee Anna, and his children: Vince (Kelli) Vandiver of Kempner, Texas; Vonda Kay (Mark) Goodman of Anchorage, Alaska; and Julie Anna (Aaron) Newell of Worland, Wyoming. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren—Chase, Kenady, James, Kate, Max, Sam, Annalise, Maci, Creedon and Bronson; his two sisters, Peggy Hallbauer and Sherrie Vandiver; and his dog, Schaff.
Charles was a believer in Christ and, therefore, faced death without fear and was at peace. He was an active member of White River Methodist Church. He loved his family and was an amazing “Papa.” He loved the people of his community and the beauty and recreation that Meeker has to offer. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, exercising, his horses and dogs, and landscaping and gardening. He was driven; whatever he did, he was all in! He loved adventure, telling his life stories, and encouraging others.
Dr. Vandiver’s Celebration of Life service will be on June 29, 2024, at White River Methodist Church. Following the service, Vince, Vonda Kay, and Julie will host a party at the Vandiver family residence to celebrate their dad. If you would like to make a donation as a tribute to Charles, you may do so to White River Methodist Church.
