Paul Byron VanOver
October 28, 1948 ~ March 21, 2017
Paul B. VanOver, 68, of Mooresville, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation in Greenwood after a courageous battle with stage IV glioblastoma. Born October 28, 1948 in Cushing, Texas, Paul was the son of the late Cecil L. and Louise (Vaughter) VanOver. On July 2, 1996 Paul was united in marriage to his loving wife, Lisa M. (Clark) VanOver and she survives.
Paul proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the war in Vietnam, he was discharged in 1969 as a Corporal. While on the G.I. Bill Paul was honored to attend the Spartin School of Aviation in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he was eager to launch a successful and lucrative career in aviation.
Paul started his 27 year career as a corporate jet pilot in Texas. He later flew for ATA where he held many titles including, First Officer, Captain International Officer, Line Check Airman, Proficiency Check Airman, and Aircrew Program Designee. Paul flew as Captain of the B737, B727, and B757 and many other aircraft.
He loved football and Cardinal Ritter High School, where his son was so privileged to attend; his greatest joys were flying and his three sons. Paul was most proud to be a member of the “A-Team, “as he called it; the FAA, ATA, and AA; he was so very proud of his 27 years sobriety.
Paul is survived by his loving and caring wife, Lisa; three sons, Chad VanOver of North Carolina, Chance (Jenny) VanOver of Oklahoma, and Jonathan VanOver of Mooresville; one brother, Gerry VanOver of South Carolina; and six grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life Paul B. VanOver on Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the chapel at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville. Paul’s son, Chance VanOver will officiate the service beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cardinal Ritter High School where a scholarship fund is set up in memory of Paul. You may visit www.cardinalritter.org and specify the Paul B. VanOver memorial fund. Please also visit www.carlislebranson.com where you may share online condolences with the family and view his Life Tribute video.
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Our deepest condolences and love go to the family during this time.
Students and Staff of Indiana Cosmetology Academy
Paul was a fisher of men. He always wanted to be there, anywhere, anytime another needed assistance. He often said “we don”t love lightly. Do we?” To which the answer would be ” no. We love wholeheartedly “. He always had a smile and a kind word. He was an encourager and a believer with great faith . He was a man with purpose.
He knew well his faults and character defects and he shared those openly in hopes that it might encourage others to never give up and never give in. He was my brother in Christ and for that I am eternally grateful. The last time I saw him in person a little over a week ago he said to me and others ” I still believe that the best is yet to come for me” . Upon learning of his tumor we discussed that at some point we cannot add days to life any longer, but we can add life to the days we have left. His greatest happiness was in his love for his family. His greatest hope was that his wife and his children and grandchildren would be as blessed as he had been.
He taught me that my greatest pain and suffering in my life had also given me extreme strength. He was kind and gentle and wise. I will miss him. Until we meet again. I am so grateful to have been in his presence for the time that I knew him.
Fly high brother! Well done!
Everyone of us at ATA liked Paul. He was a wonderful man. May God rest his soul
Fly west Captain.
Another ATA brother flies West,This time leaving those that surrounded him with a much deeper appreciation for the man that he is and the things that he stood.for. Paul represents all the goodness in mankind with the philosophy of family first and making this world a better place than before.
His inspiration and smile will be sorely missed within the ranks of his fellow airmen and family. I for one will always be able to smile and having shared those moments with him be a better person for it.
Thank you my friend for all you have shared.
Blue skies, until we meet again,
Erik Engdahl
I had the privilege of working with Paul throughout his ATA career, from very beginning to the end. From the very first handshake it was clear that he was the quintessential professional. Few, if any pilots could match his skill and judgement. He was a natural born leader. And that smile and chuckle were absolutely disarming: Thanks for the posted photo of him, for that is exactly the way I remember him.
My deepest condolences to Pauls family. Paul and I served together in Vietnam. In a place where you didn’t make close friends we did become close friends. Both of us being Communications, Paul with “Kilo” Company and I was with “India” Company, when in the rear area at the same time we became close. For years I searched for Paul with no success until a friend found this. My biggest regret is that I was only able to find Paul after his passing. Paul holds a place in my heart for all he was able to endure early in his life so he could enjoy his family and friends later. Believe me when I say he deserved only the best life had to offer him. I will look forward to meeting him again when my name comes up in the book. Semper Fi my Brother and may you Rest In Peace.