Robert W. Vandergrift

 Robert W. Vandergrift, age 82, passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

 Robert was born July 1, 1943, in Brilliant, Alabama, to Robert Vandergrift and Emmie Irene Dykes Vandergrift. He proudly served as a Corpsman in the United States Coast Guard from 1961 to 1965 and later as a merchant marine officer from 2003 to 2008. A man with true wanderlust, he traveled the world as a Ship Captain for Edison Chouest and visited every state in the U.S. as a truck driver.

 In his younger years, Robert served as a Boy Scout leader and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Stephen Catholic Church. He met the love of his life, Debbie, through her brother at work and often joked that he was a little scared of her daddy. They were married on July 5, 2003.

 Robert loved blues, rock and roll, western, and jazz music, and frequently serenaded Debbie, no matter where they were or who was around. A gifted storyteller with a booming laugh, he was affectionately known as “ornery as the day is long.” Creative and resourceful, he dabbled in art, could build nearly anything for Debbie, collected smoking pipes, and enjoyed raising chickens - each one carefully named.

 Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, April Lynn Vandergrift; and his sister, Paulette Thomas.

 He is survived by his beloved wife, Debra Ann Vandergrift of Weatherford, Texas; daughters, Michele Vandergrift of East Ampton, New Jersey, and Jamie Vandergrift of Belran, New Jersey; grandchildren, Wyatt Sprinkle and Charlotte Sprinkle of Burlington, New Jersey; great-granddaughter, “Little Robbie”; brother-in-law, Joe Muse and wife, Lena, and their children and grandchildren; dear friends, Russ Ainsworth, Toby Chermie, Pete and Jolyn Harber and their children; and Makyla Horne; as well as his dear aunt, Inell MacDonough; and numerous cousins.

 A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, 913 North Elm Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel. https://www.galbreaithpickard.com/