Kenneth Vangilder

Kenneth E. Vangilder, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, July 25, 2006, at his home.

He was born June 22, 1923, in St. Louis, son of Elam Russell and Helen Masterson Vangilder. He and Betty Jane VanGilder were married Dec. 1, 1950, in Piggott, Ark.

Mr. Vangilder was a member of Hanover Lutheran Church. He pitched from 1945 to 1950 for the New York Giants baseball teams, finishing at the Triple A level. He was a retired farmer.

He served in the Army during World War II from May 5, 1945, to May 10, 1946.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jane Vangilder of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Scott Vangilder and wife Kay of Jackson, Clay Vangilder and wife Julie of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Betty Dawson and husband Gene of Sikeston, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Ryan Vangilder and Kathryn Vangilder of Jackson, Rachel Vangilder and Kara Vangilder of Cape Girardeau.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Daniel Hackney officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park, with full military rites conducted by Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Hanover Lutheran Church.