Luverne Vandenbos

Luverne Jay VandenBos, 73, of Kempner, passed away on April 10, 2023, surrounded by his family.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 5 Hills Cowboy Church in Kempner, Texas.

Luverne was born in Platte, South Dakota to Lawrence and Johanna (Streelman) VandenBos on November 27, 1949.  He went to school at Et-talpian Platte High School.  He married Loretta May Matheny on December 22, 1971 in Platte, South Dakota. He graduated from Southern State College in Springfield, South Dakota and Westark Community College in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  He worked as an electrician for Whirlpool for over 20 years.  He was also the Chief of Force Protection for Fort Hood’s airfields.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years.  He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster; Vietnam Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device; and, Army Service Ribbon.  He was also involved with 5 Hills Cowboy Church as a Senior Elder.

Luverne is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Johanna VandenBos; and his sister, Sharon VandenBos.

Luverne is survived by his loving wife, Loretta; his daughter, Kelly Luna and husband Michael, his son, Cory VandenBos, and daughter, Melanie Willis and husband Shane; brothers, Dallas VandenBos and Earl VandenBos; and his grandchildren, Madison, Cole, Hayden and Logan Willis.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches (AFCC) Cowboy Camp for Youth.  Please make checks payable to “5 Hills Cowboy Church,” and make a note on the check for the AFCC Cowboy Camp.  Checks can be mailed to:  5 Hills Cowboy Church, P.O. Box 475, Kempner, TX 76539.

The family of Luverne wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Daryl “Boots” Shew; Dr. Mike Merrill and his wife Susan; Pastor John P. Alexander and his wife Glenda; Josh Collins and his wife Michelle; Elder Mike Jones; Elder Terry Huckaby; Doug Wheat; Nicole Pittaro; Robin Traweek; Colleen Waikel; and, the entire community of 5 Hills Cowboy Church who have helped the family through this difficult time.