J.W. Vanderpool was born May 13, 1942 in Beaver, Oklahoma . He went to the open range heaven on July 19, 2011, after a five year battle against colon, lung, and liver caner.
He was born to the late Ella Vanderpool Heinson and Richard Barry Vanderpool. He was raised by B. J. Heinson, his stepfather.
J.W. was preceded in death by his father Richard Barry Vanderpool in December, 1942; stepfather B.J. Heinson in December, 1969; mother Ella Vanderpool Heinson in February, 1994; six sisters, Geraldine Esther in July, 1935, Verna June in July, 1935, Iva Nell Seal in August, 1993, Frieda Thomas, Shirley Sinclair on February 18, 2000, and Mary Lou Carrington; and a long list of family and friends.
He is survived by his loyal and loving wife, Paulette Walker Vanderpool; his on and only daughter, Star Smith; blessed with one granddaughter, Melissa Dawn Vanderpool Smith; the son he always wanted Ted Smith on July 4, 2005.
He lived in Forgan, Oklahoma , Joloit, Illinois , and Littleton, Colorado , before returning to where he left his legend of returning the prairie to the way it was before whiteman. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of animals, the land, his crazy adventures and and inventions to educate children to save the Prairie Dogs and Buffalo for future generations to enjoy.
He served his country in the United States Army from November 4, 1959 until November 4, 1962, with buddy Glen Lauppe of Fowler. He married his sweetheart Freedie Fredie Paulette Walker on October 23, 1963.
In May, 2004, he was blessed with the famous baby buffalo, Bubba, whom thought of J.W. as a mother and helped J.W. educate humans. He is still wandering the ranch looking for J.W. Then came the son he has always wanted, Ted Smith who married his daughter Star on July 4, 2005. He then helped J.W. with the many trips to the VA Hospital and running the ranch for the last five years of his life. His teachings of Cowboy Logic will remain with us all. His life long dream is being kept alive by the dedication of Paulette, Ted & Star, Melissa Smith, and generous help from Glen Peacock, Jimi Smith, Willie Helms, Mark Goldsberry, Joe Lillie, and many, many friends.
With God’s help we will continue J.W.’s life dream of tours of the ranch and education of preservation of our prairie, and hopefully finish his book Cowboy Logic.
Involved with Make-A-Wish Foundation, Meade Lake War, Historical Jones and Plumber Trail, invention of traps, and the famous Texas Tornado 4430 Cessena, Prairie Dog Relocator. He raised sixty-two different species of animals.
On the 17th of July he received his last communion from Bob and DeeDee Deacon at his ranch house, surrounded by his family, elk, deer, buffalo, and prairie dogs.
In lieu of flowers his wishes are to inspire many people to “Cowboy up, get a colonoscopy. If I would have, I’d still be kickin’, J.W.”
Celebration of life services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011, at the St. John Lutheran Church, Meade, with the Reverend Lynn E. Spencer presiding. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the services at the church to share memories and stories. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.
