Walter Lee VanDyke

Walter Lee Van Dyke

Walter Lee Van Dyke, age 85, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Livingston Manor Care Center, Chillicothe, Missouri.

Walter was born March 3, 1939, in Meadville, Missouri to Edwin and Dorothy (Triplet) Van Dyke. He was a proud graduate of Meadville High School, Class of 1957. Following his education, he spent many years employed at MODOT in Chillicothe, Missouri. Throughout his career, Walter was known for his strong work ethic and commitment, eventually retiring from his longstanding position.

Walter was a devoted member of the Free Methodist Church of Chillicothe, Missouri. He served as Superintendent of Sunday School and was also on the board of trustees for the church. His faith was at the core of his values, and he made impactful contributions to his spiritual community.

Walter found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved woodworking as he made his grandchildren hope chests or gun cabinets for their graduation gifts. He was an avid gardener who loved mowing and spending time in nature. His love for music was evident as he frequently attended Blue Grass Festivals, particularly adoring the performances of Tanya Tucker and Rhonda Vincent. Attending Starvy Creek festivals in the fall and spring with his family became a cherished tradition, particularly for their anniversaries, where all his grandchildren would join. Known for his playful nature, Walter was a self-proclaimed "big tease" who brought smiles and laughter to all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Carol, of the home: his daughter, Lisa Brown and her husband, Mike, of Lakeland, FL, and step-son Daniel Copeland and wife Cathy, also of Lakeland, FL: ten grandchildren, Danille Trew of Boliver, Missouri, Kelsey Anderson and husband, Adam, of Trenton, Missouri, Clinton Brown and wife, Emma, of Tina, Missouri, Darby Van Dyke of Oklahoma, Jarad Van Dyke of Oklahoma, Brandi Van Dyke -Forille and husband, Hudson, of Oklahoma, Stephen Copeland and wife, Milvionne, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Jonathon Copeland and wife, Gavena, of Orlando, Florida, Jennifer Darby and husband, Kevin, of Mulberry, Florida , Timothy Copeland of Lakeland, Florida, eight great grandchildren ; and two sisters, Betty Curtis and her husband, Ray, of Golden, Colorado, and Bonna Gordon and her husband, Earl, of San Diego, California.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Joan (Swain) Van Dyke, his son Randall Lee Van Dyke, step-daughter Kimberly (Copeland) Johnson, and his great-grandson Charlie Brown.

Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, February 21, at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to service. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Free Methodist Church of Chillicothe, Missouri and/or the Gideons International and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe. Missouri, 64601. Walter's legacy of faith, love, and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.