Obituary
Robert Gale VanDette (Bob), age 90, of Flushing, Michigan, peacefully entered eternal rest May 6, 2021 after a short but hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara Rae (Baker) VanDette, his three children, Robert Kevin VanDette (Nancy), Robin Rae VanDette, and Jill Malin McCullough (Neil). He was the proud “Gramps” to 8 grandchildren (Rob VanDette, Paige VanDette, Brian Kummer, Sarah Kummer, Katie McCullough, Michael McCullough, Steven McCullough, and Kristen McCullough). He was a loving brother to sisters Joyce VanDette and Delores Roberts, and was preceded in death by his brother Leonard Keith VanDette.
Bob was born on January 20, 1931 to Annette (Hines) VanDette and Leonard Morse VanDette in Hurley Hospital in Flint, Michigan. He graduated from Flint Central High School in 1948 and continued his education at Central Michigan University where he earned a teaching degree. He subsequently obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University. He was also a Korean War Veteran.
Having spent over 40 years of his life as an educator, administrator, and counselor, his compassion, empathy, and care for others more than himself, touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. He was instrumental not only in the classroom as a teacher, but in the advancement of vocational education. He returned to his high school alma mater as an Assistant Principal, and spent his final years as an administrator at Flint Schools of Choice.
Bob was an avid Michigan State fan, golfer, fisherman, hunter, and gardener. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was well known for his wit and positive outlook. His laugh, his love, his generosity, and the mark he left on so many lives will be remembered above all else! The world is now a lesser place, but the lives he left behind are forever richer because of his presence.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Robert (Bob) at a later date in Flushing Michigan.
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