Carl Robert VanDevender

Carl Robert VanDevender Carl Robert VanDevender, 75, of Port Arthur died Friday, June 15, 2012 at his home. He was born on July 6, 1936 in Port Arthur, Texas to Lee Roy VanDevender and Mildred Cherry VanDevender. Carl was a lifelong area resident and member of First Christian Church of Port Arthur where he started the hand bell choir, was Minister of Music and Fine Arts and an organist. He founded Kinderventure at Mid-Jeff Hospital and was a member of the Groves Masonic Lodge #1315. He also founded MAD Camp (Music , Art and Drama). He was retired as Lab Director from Park Place Hospital. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves with Reverend Scott Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Carl was preceded in death by his brothers, Lee Roy VanDevender, Jr., James Terry VanDevender, and sister, Ruth VanHess. He is survived by his wife, Laurel VanDevender of Port Arthur, TX.; two sons;Eric VanDevender and daughter-in-love, Kim of Katy, TX., and Chad VanDevender and daughter-in-love, Gina of Vidor, TX.; sister-in-law, Ira Nell VanDevender of Port Arthur, TX.; brother-in-law, Francis Jay VanHess of Port Arthur, TX.; and four grandchildren, Taylor Kay VanDevender, Kyle Robert VanDevender, Julian Carl VanDevender, and Kelly Nicole VanDevender. Friends wishing to make memorial contributions may send them to: National Kidney Foundation or First Christian Church, 5856 9th Ave., Port Arthur, TX., 77642.