Joe Vanover

May 17, 1935  –  November 12, 2023

Joseph Emerson Vanover, of Montague, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 12 at the age of 88.

Joe was born May 17, 1935 in Jenkins, Kentucky. He came to Northern California when he was sixteen and started work as a timber faller. He was married to Evelyn Mello, and they had four children. Joe felled timber (trees) for various timber companies in Northern California until he was 70 years old. He worked at a logging maintenance shop sharpening chains and chipper blades until he was 82 years old!

Joe was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing in the mountains of Siskiyou County. He also like gardening and carpentering work with family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Della Vanover; his siblings; his son Sam Vanover, and son-in-law Randy Smith.

Joe is survived by his longtime partner, Bonnie Hummer; his daughters JoLynn Smith of Montague, Donna Diehl (Charles) of Montague; his son David Vanover (Jane) of Flagstaff, Arizona; six grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Alfo Baldwin (Karen) and his extended family: Ed, Paul, Dave Hummer, plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family, and online condolences may be made at girdnerfuneralchapel.com.