Richard C. Vandersys

Richard C. "Shorty� Vandersys, 74, Gladstone, MO, formerly of Independence, died March 26, 2007. Memorial services will be 10 am, Sat., March 31, 2007 at Speaks Suburban Chapel; cremation. Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Alzheimer�s Assoc. or the Susan Koman Breast Cancer Foundation.
Shorty was born May 12, 1932 in Detroit, MI. He worked at K.W. Dart until the plant closed and then drove a school bus for many years for the Blue Springs School District. He was a member of UAW Local #710. He loved kids and was very involved in youth sports programs in Independence. Over the years, Shorty was an umpire for the Queen City Baseball Program, a basketball referee, softball coach and roller rink guard. He also bowled in several leagues.
Shorty was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Vandersys in 2001. He is survived by his son, Kenneth Crays, Independence; daughter Barbara Billings and husband Kenneth, Dacono, CO; brothers Roland Vandersys and wife Dorothy, Detroit, MI; Robert Vandersys, Kinross, MI; grandchildren Kenneth Billings II, Denver, CO; Kenneth Crays, Jr.; Karie Holt and husband James; Michelle Walter, all of Independence; great-grandchildren Emily, Merica, James Jr., Annastasia, Heaven, and Sebastian.