David F. VanHaverbeke
David Francis VanHaverbeke, of Overland Park, (formerly of Eureka, Ks) died on Monday, April 23, 2012 at the age of 83.
David was born on July 15, 1928 in Eureka, the son of Francis and Jesse (Byrnes) VanHaverbeke. He graduated from Eureka High School in 1946. He served with the National Guard in the 1950’s. David attended K-State and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture. He returned to Eureka to work with his parents at the Eureka Greenhouse. He later attended Colorado State University and earned his Master’s degree in Forestry. He then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln earning his Ph.D. in Taxonomy. He retired in 1989.
On April 23, 1988 he was united in marriage to Joan (Cooper) Mattingly in Overland Park where they made their home.
David was a member of the Church of The Holy Cross in Overland Park and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
David was a kind, patient, faith filled and humble man. He was a devoted husband, father and friend. Joan and David enjoyed 24 years of happiness together. He loved the outdoors and served the United State Forest Service for 30 years. A hero for the underdog, he was genuinely concerned for his fellow man. He was a follower of the teachings of St. Francis of Assissi. He attained his Eagle Scout designation. He was an accomplished distance runner.
He is survived by his wife, Joan and children, D. Randall VanHaverbeke of Flagstaff, Az; Denise VanHaverbeke of Canon City, Co.; Mark VanHaverbeke of Lincoln, Ne; Karen VanHaverbeke of Canon City, Co; Georganna Meyer of Chandler, Az; and Gary Mattingly of Dublin, Ca; five grandchildren, Lewis Hyatt, David VanHavberbeke, Hannah Meyer, Samuel Meyer and Caitlyn Dennis; two great-grandchildren; brother, D. Mike Vanhaverbeke of Overland Park and sister, Suzanne Mantei of Dayton, Oh.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant daughter, Amy VanHaverbeke.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, April 30, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka, Kansas with Rosary at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in his name to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas at 9720 W. 87th St. Overland Park, Kansas 66212.
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