Oct 29, 2012

Charles William VanDruff, 88, of Waynesburg, died at 12:08 p.m. Sunday, October 28, 2012, in Golden Living Center South Hills at Canonsburg, following a lengthy illness. He was born May 17, 1924, in Perry Township, Greene County, a son of the late John Lawrence and Beatrice Lyda Dulaney VanDruff. Mr. VanDruff was the founder and owner of VanDruff Tractor and Implement Sales of Waynesburg for 55 years. He bought his first Ford tractor in 1944 from Fox Motor Co. of Waynesburg and did custom work for farmers in Greene County. He worked for Fox Motor Co. from 1948 to 1953, selling and servicing Ford tractors and equipment. In 1953, he purchased the tractor and implements division of Fox Motor Co. and moved it to its present location. He joined the Waynesburg Volunteer Fire Company in 1955 after helping rescue flood victims on High Street in Waynesburg by the former Bryan’s Dairy. He was asked to join the company by former chief, Clovis Wright. He held the position of trustee in the fire company for several years and was a designated truck driver during fire operations. He also delivered seven babies as a volunteer fireman. Mr. VanDruff served on the board of Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District and campaigned in Harrisburg on issues relating to farmers in Greene County. He also served on the board of the Greene County Cooperative Extension Service. He was a big supporter of the 4-H livestock clubs in Greene County and Marshall County, Va. In 1986, he received the State Citation Award by the Future Farmers of America, recognizing VanDruff Tractor and Implement Sales for his contribution of time and equipment for Future Farmers of America and vocational agriculture instruction. He also was named an Honorary Chapter Farmer by Waynesburg Future Farmers of America. Mr. VanDruff and his wife, Anna Grace, were honored as Paul Harris Fellows of Rotary International and by Waynesburg Lions Club for unselfish service during the Christmas season. He was most noted for dressing up as Santa Claus and visiting many schools, churches, private parties and family gatherings, bringing joy and smiles to young and old. He was a member of Claughton Chapel Methodist Church in Whiteley Township. During a conference at the church, he met Anna Grace Dillinger of Dawson. They were married October 22, 1950. Together they had three sons, who survive, Robert Allen and wife Cynthia of Glassboro, N.J., Roger Lynn and wife Janice of Waynesburg and Rodney Lee and wife Colleen of Sarver; four grandchildren, Jamie L. VanDruff and wife Jackie and April Michelle VanDruff, all of Waynesburg, and Jonathon B. and Richard C. VanDruff, both of Sarver; a great-grandson, Tyler Jack VanDruff of Jefferson; and a half brother, the Rev. John Leslie VanDruff and wife Lyn of Springfield. Deceased is an infant son, Charles Robert VanDruff; a brother, Richard Corbly VanDruff; two sisters; and a brother who died in infancy. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High Street, Waynesburg, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 3, followed by burial in Fairview-Kiger Cemetery in Whiteley Township. The Waynesburg Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company will hold services at 7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any local volunteer fire company or 4-H club. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.