Carlston Ray Vandevander

Carlston Ray Vandevander, 71, of Staunton, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023 at Shenandoah Nursing and Rehab in Fishersville.

He was born May 11, 1952, a son of the late Minor Ephriam and Joy Lena (Bennett) Vandevander.

A talented mechanic by trade, Carlston had retired from Mathers Construction and was the owner and operator of Carl’s Little Beaver Stump Grinding Service. Carl will be remembered for his strong work ethic, constant willingness to help friends, as well as his good humor and wit. He was also well known as an avid outdoorsman with a keen knack for taking trophy bucks. He will be further remembered for his fondness of black labs, his 25-06 Ruger, mushroom hunting in the spring, and the occasional blackberry spirit. Above all, Carlston Vandevander will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Billy Ephriam Bennett.

He is survived by a daughter, Lisa Marie Vandevander of Stuarts Draft; three sons, Carlston R. Vandevander, Jr. and wife, Dana of Waynesboro and Meade and Minor Vandevander of Staunton; two grandsons, Joseph and Evan Rankin; two brothers, Bobby J. Vandevander of McDowell and Roger Vandevander and wife, Meghan of Middlebrook; sisters, Patsy Armstrong and husband, Jim of McDowell and Betty Puffenbarger of Swoope; his good friend, Joe Kaminski, who was thought of as a son; the mother of his children, Danielle Vandevander of Staunton; as well as a great number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department with pastor Ray Turner officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433.