Henry J. Vassar

9/29/2015 11:37:25 AM

Henry J. Vassar, 74, went to be with the Lord at 8:11 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2015 at His home. Born August 2, 1941 in Alton to Albert J. and Emma (Free) Vassar. He married the former Shirley J. Henson on October 1, 1971 in Alton.

Immediately following his 1959 graduation from Alton High School he became a proud U.S. Marine. He served from 1959 to 1963 during the Cuban Crisis. He was employed at Shell Oil Wood River Refinery for 30 years, retiring in 1994 as a contract coordinator foreman. Later he became assistant principal and teacher for New Community Christian School. He was an avid golfer and bowler in this area. Active in his church for over 30 years he ministered as Sunday school teacher, board member, elder and interim pastor for Alpha Chapel, Faith Covenant Church and Hillside Family Church, which is now Lifehouse Community Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife, is a daughter, Vanessa J. Vassar; four sons, Kenneth, Wayne, Joseph, and Adrian Vassar. A step-daughter, Kelley Schultz and a very special, much loved granddaughter Madison Schultz. Also surviving are numerous other grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, two sisters and one brother-in-law, Emma Jane and George Frazier, Patricia Perkins, a brother, Mark Vassar (Marie), and a sister-in-law Doris Fink.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son James Vassar and two brothers, Floyd and David Vassar. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 at Lifehouse Community Church where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2015. Pastor Michael Adams will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Henry J. Vassar Memorial Fund at Lifehouse Community Church. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found atwww.gentfuneralhome.com

Funeral Home

Gent Funeral Home
2409 State Street Alton, IL 62002
(618) 466-5544

Published in The Telegraph from Sept. 29 to Sept. 30, 2015