Thomas Wayne VanReenen, age 74, passed away Wednesday morning, September 20, 2023, at his farm in Hillsboro.
He was a devoted husband, father and follower of Christ.
Born March 2, 1949, in Marlinton, he was a son of the late Hubert and Hattie VanReenen.
Tommy grew up in Beard, and attended Hillsboro High School, graduating in the spring of 1967. Following graduation, he went to Potomac State College where he received an associate degree in agriculture. He then entered the United States Air Force and proudly served his country before returning home.
He married Linda Sue Hill on June 15, 1975, and they started a life together. She was teaching school, and he was selling farm machinery for Greenbrier Tractor Sales in Lewisburg. In 1979, they purchased the farm he called home, right outside of Hillsboro, and built a beef cattle farm. In 1985, he started selling Ag Bag Feed System Machines. He was also a licensed insurance agent, writing for West Virginia Insurance Company of Harrisville.
In addition to his work, he had many civic endeavors including the Pocahontas County Board of Education, Pocahontas County Veterans Honor Corps, American Legion and Oak Grove Community Cemetery Trustee. He served as a member of the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District for many years, being recognized as an Honorary Member of the West Virginia Association of Conservation Districts.
He was a member of the Beard Presbyterian Church and then moved his membership to the Oak Grove Presbyterian Church where he was active and served on the Board of Deacons and as an Elder.
He loved his country, farming and helping others. He was always amazed each spring as new calves were born, and seeds sprouted as God’s handiwork in this world.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Timothy W. VanReenen, and wife, Lauren; sisters, Sharon Sharp (Donald) and Sandra Simmons (Larry), of Hillsboro; brother, Charles VanReenen, of Asbury; sister-in-law, Phyllis Kinnison (Harlan), of Hillsboro; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was held Sunday, September 24, at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro. Internment, with Military Rites, was in Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 81 Hillsboro, WV 24946.
Online condolences may be made at Lantzfuneralhome.com
