Rising Star - Services for Willie L. Vandivere, 70, a retired road hand for Eastland County, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Rising Star with the Reverends, Terry Simmons and Bill Gleason officiating. Burial will follow at Rising Star Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Rising Star.  Arrangements made by Lacy Funeral Home.

Willie Louis Vandivere was born on January 29, 1946 and went to be with his savior on July 18, 2016.  He was born in Rising Star to Ernest Albert Vandivere and Tressie Bell Martin Vandivere.  Willie graduated from RSHS in 1964 and married his high school sweetheart, Sue Burns the same year.  Willie owned and operated his own trucking business.  He was also a member of the Rising Star Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He was a very active member and deacon at the First Baptist Church in Rising Star.  In November of 1993, Willie lost his left hand.  In 1994, he was named Citizen of the Year for Rising Star. 

Willie is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sue Burns Vandivere.  His daughters; DeLana Vandivere of Rising Star, Tami Wehmeyer and husband, Russell of Whitney, grandchildren; JulieAnn Greenfield and husband, Adrian of Evant, William Wehmeyer of Whitney, Daniel Steubing of Rising Star, and Brayden Wehmeyer of Whitney, his sisters; Ernestine Rankin and husband, Jay of Early, Charline Hines of Fort Worth, Nadine Pilcher and husband, Jack of San Angelo and sister-in-law; Georgie Vandivere of Albany, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son; Michael Louis Vandivere, his parents, Ernest and Tressie Vandivere, and his brother; Shelby Vandivere.