Edward J. Van Compernolle, 85, of Independence, MO, passed away April 29, 2018, at Village House Hospice. Ed was born February 22, 1933 in Kansas City, MO, the son of Henry and Mary Van Compernolle.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ed’s life with story sharing, food and drinks from 6PM to 9PM on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at The American Legion Tirey J. Ford Post 21, 16701 E US Highway 40, Independence, MO.
Ed was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean War rising to the rank of Corporal. While serving his country, from 1950 through 1954, he earned a good conduct medal, a Korean service medal (3 service stars), a National Defense service medal, a United Nations service medal, and a Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Ed worked at KCP&L as a journeyman lineman and ended his 40 year career as a superintendent. Ed made 103 parachute jumps in the 1960s as a member of the Sky Hi Skydivers. Ed had a lifelong enjoyment of motorcycles with over 50 years of riding and owned 100 plus motorcycles, ranging from dirt bikes to street bikes. Ed had a love of rustic woodworking and out of his home woodshop, Knot Purfect, he made bird houses, bowls, shelves and bird baths from used wood, tin and copper.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Janet R. Van Compernolle and his siblings Henry Van Compernolle, Mary Meiners, and Matilda Rarey.
Ed is survived by his wife of 7 years Rita Van Compernolle; 3 sons, Mark Van Compernolle and wife Karen of Dallas, TX, Bruce Van Compernolle and wife Konnie of Independence, MO, and Edward Van Compernolle and girlfriend Carly Duquette of Lee’s Summit, MO; 6 grandchildren, who knew him as Paw Paw and Big Boy, Jill Van Compernolle (Michael), Thomas Van Compernolle (Brandi), Trisha Ward (Matthew), Kelsie Van Compernolle, Shelby Smith (Robert), and Emily Van Compernolle; and 8 great-grandchildren, Nova Hoberg, Dawson Smith, Jolene Gamboa, Parker Van Compernolle, McKinleigh Ward, Andi Smith, Heidi Gamboa, and Keaton Ward.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Maywood Terrace Living Center (816-836-1250) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research www.michaeljfox.org
Ed will be remembered by his family as a loving husband and dedicated father.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem, Independence MO 816-796-8600