Efton Howard Vining

EFTON HOWARD VININGHoward Vining, 94, of rural Independence, Kansas passed away Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Independence.Efton Howard Vining was born October 15, 1919 in Wann, Oklahoma the son of Frances Vining and Lenora (Hawkins) Vining. He grew up in Wann and attended schools in the Wann and Copan areas, relocating to Ackman, Colorado upon the death of his parents at age 14. He entered the CCC camp at Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez, CO, lived and worked in Pleasant View, CO area until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, where he served from North Africa to Italy and France, surviving four beach landings.He married Margaret Lucile Murphy in Cortez, CO in 1948, was blessed with 63 of marriage, when she preceded him in death February 20, 2012. He farmed until 1951, when he moved to Farmington, New Mexico, became a surveyor with El Paso Natural Gas, retiring in 1977 back to his dream farm in Ignacio, CO. In later years Howard made his home during the winter in rural Independence with his daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Marc Hoffmeister.Survivors include son, David Vining and his wife Marcia of Ignacio, CO, two daughters, Eileen Farnsworth of Peachtree City, Georgia, Margaret Hoffmeister and husband Marc of Independence, Kansas, sister Flossie Ann Owen of Grand Junction, Colorado, 11 grandchildren, Amanda Farnsworth, Lee Farnsworth, Promise Farnsworth, Morgan Farnsworth, Andy Vining, Devin Vining, Sarah Vining, Jamie Vining, Cole Hoffmeister, Lane Hoffmeister, Heath Hoffmeister, 2 great grandchildren, Aizik and Aydyn Vining.His favorite hobbies were collecting arrowheads, listening to music, and farming. He had a special knack for swinging an axe and sharpening a shovel, and was accomplished at irrigating his farm land. He dedicated himself to serving his church as an elder for many years."" He was a member of the Bayfield, Colorado Church of Christ and Cherryvale Church of Christ.Howard will be remembered for his patient spirit and his desire to help wherever it was needed.Celebration of Life Funeral Services will be held 10:00A.M., Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Church of Christ in Cherryvale. Interment will be held at Pratt Cemetery east of Independence off Cty Rd 4500, Independence.Memorial remembrances may be sent to the Cherryvale Church of Christ, and they may be left or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th Street, Cherryvale, Kansas 66712.