Cloudy, 61° F
(Feb. 15, 1933 – Aug. 20, 2011)
Jimmy Lee VanGorden, 78, passed away Saturday, Aug. 20, at North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell. He was born Feb. 15, 1933 in Grand Island, Neb., to Reuben and Ina VanGorden, joining sisters Joyce and Ruby.
In 1950, he graduated from Grand Island High School and enrolled in Grand Island Business College, where he graduated in 1951 with a business accounting degree. He went to work for Ohio Oil, now known as Marathon Oil, as a clerk.
Jimmy was drafted into the United States Army in 1953. During his years in the Army he moved up the ranks to sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1961. During his service he served in Korea. Jimmy was awarded the National Service Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After being discharged, he went back to work for Marathon Oil where he worked for 34 years until his retirement in 1986. Jimmy married Margie Creager in 1973. They had one daughter, Michele.
Jimmy spent his retirement years in Powell until moving to New Horizons Care Center in Lovell.
He is survived by his daughter Michele Bean, her husband Shain, and grandson Shon.
Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at New Horizons Care Center in Lovell. Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.haskellfuneralhome.com.
