Van A. Gump, 70, lifelong North Manchester resident, passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born in Wabash on December 31, 1953, to Wilbur J. Gump and Lora Ann (Snavely) Rehrig.
Van graduated from Manchester High School in 1972. He then began driving truck for various companies, including delivering for Lowe’s before he retired in 2016. He also drove for the Amish community for many years. Van was down-to-earth and willing to help anyone at any time.
On May 19, 1979, Van married Judith E. “Judy” Neidigh. The two bought a thirty-four acre hobby farm in 1985 and began tending to livestock. Van enjoyed being in nature, which allowed him to cut wood, hunt deer with both shotgun and crossbow, garden, and care for exotic lilies. He also loved the many dogs he had over the years.
The loving memory of Van A. Gump will be forever cherished by his wife, Judy Gump, North Manchester; mother, Lora Ann (Snavely) Rehrig; brother, Rob (Ann) Gump, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and sister, June Gump, Eagle Lake, Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur J. Gump.
Van wished for his loved ones to grieve privately while remembering times with him that bring smiles to their faces.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Van Gump, memorial contributions may be made to 85 Hope Medical Clinic, P.O. Box 27, Wabash, Indiana 46992.
The family of Van Gump has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
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