Our Hearts are broken even more on September 9, 2026, when the Patriarch, William Harold VanGilder (84) left us to reunited with the love of his life Adaline Marie VanGilder who he was married to for 63 years. He had battled several medical conditions, but most of all a broken heart for many months. He was surrounded by his loving family and left peacefully to join Mom and many other family and friends.

Dad was born on November 9, 1941 in Fairmont, WV to the late Jacob M. Vangilder and Reeva. Brown. Dad was a true Mountaineer, he loved West Virginia. He is survived by his son William (Lisa) and daughters Cathy (Earl), Dawn, and Shelia (Herbie). He loved his 9 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. Dad loved family get togethers. His brothers Gene (Pam), Ronnie (Mary Ellen) and his sister Mary (Ralph). His brother-in-law Omer Woods (Lucy). He is preceded in death by his loving wife Adaline and his son-in-law Billy Joe Bower. His parents Jacob and Reeva. His brothers Paul, Kenneth, Larry (Punk). His sisters Rose, Patty and Mary Lou, also many nieces, nephews and friends.

He never met a stranger, He always helped his family, friends and neighbors. The phrase “he would give the shirt off his back” was his life example. He taught us that we were to try to help anyone who needed it. Our Dad was the greatest example of how a man is to take care of his family. He worked hard for over 30 years at GM, member of UAW 435. Was a member of Maryland National Guard. Dad also was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts and a coach for Elkton Little League. Dad loved to fish, go crabbing, go hunting and mowing. He also loved to work on vehicles; He always had a project at his barn.

Graveside service will be held 1 PM, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Cherry Hill Methodist Cemetery, Elkton, MD.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.