Jack Vanpool Sr.

SIKESTON — Jack Melvin Vanpool Sr., age 63, passed away Aug. 14, 2024, at his home in Sikeston.

He was born Aug. 17, 1960, in Kansas City, Kansas, son of the late Betty Ann Vanpool. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Paul and Catherine Vanpool.

On June 25, 2016, he married Tammy Mercer Vanpool; she survives of the home in Sikeston. Mama Tammy was the love of his life; they were childhood loves. Jack's grandkids were his No. 1 priority. You couldn't be around him without laughing and he was the best storyteller, he could tell a story and five years later tell it again the same way, even if it was stretched and he even added sound effects.

Jack was a welder for Heartland Trailers Manufacturing. He was a trailer manufacturing master, the hardest-working man his family knew; he worked over 80 hours a week for as long as they can remember.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Jack (Bethany) Vanpool Jr. of East Prairie, Missouri, and Keith (Chasity) Dick of Doniphan, Missouri; three daughters, Sonja Calhoun of Chaffee, Missouri, Kayla Vanpool of Sikeston and Kristen (Clayton)Woodside of Pinckneyville, Illinois; favorite nephew, Bobby Couch Jr.; favorite niece, Lacresha Adams; one sister, Sheila Renee (Bobby Sr.) Couch of Benton, Missouri; grandchildren, Amber Hyde, Harlen Gaskins, Gunner Gaskins, Brooke (Michael) Gaskins, Cameron Dick, Connor Dick, Colby Dick, Caitlyn Dick, C.J. Woodside, Brantley Woodside, Trenton, Austin, Devin, and Kourtlen; great-grandchildren, Khleesi Anderson and Heather Jo Davenport; his dog, Lizzy; and his cat, Sissy.

There will be a Celebration of Life held Saturday, Aug. 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.