Brian Vandewater

Brian Lee Vandewater, 70, of Ames, passed away Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, while surrounded by family at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Brian was born in Eldora on September 30, 1951, the son of Lee Royce and Helen Jean (Roberts) Vandewater. He was raised on the family farm in rural Adair County, graduating from Greenfield High School in 1969.

Brian met Paula Sue Phillips while attending Saint Paul Bible College in Minneapolis; they married on January 18, 1974.

Brian was well regarded for his high mechanical aptitude and engineering mindset. His ability to find creative solutions to problems was second to none. He put his talents to work in the automotive, agriculture and technical industries. Brian was also a selfless volunteer of his time, serving in multiple leadership capacities for the Iowa Games, the Ames Izaak Walton League, the Iowa Sportsmen’s Federation, the National Rifle Association and the Iowa Barn Foundation.

Brian received the Iowa Governors Volunteer Award in recognition of his service.

Brian’s love for Jesus and his devotion to his family will always be remembered. He attended Heartland Baptist Church in Ames, serving on the church security team and several boards and committees. He loved the outdoors and never passed up an opportunity to take his grandchildren for a weekend at the family farm for hunting, Bible trivia, movie nights, ATV rides or embellished hunting stories. His tireless work on the family farm in Adair County established a legacy for future generations.

Brian is survived by his wife, Paula Vandewater of Ames; son, Lee Vandewater (wife Jessica) and their children: Grant and Brynna of Winterset; son, Jon Vandewater (wife Heather) and their children: Abigale, Madison, Kailee and Eddie of Ames; mother, Helen Abbott (husband Ed) of Ames; brother, Dennis Vandewater (wife Nancy) of Eagle Grove; sister, Jayne McClanahan (husband Craig) of Ames; brother, David Vandewater and his (wife Connie) of Gardner, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Lee Royce Vandewater.

A funeral service for Brian took place 11 a.m. Monday, Nov 15, 2021, at Heartland Baptist Church, 3333 Stange Road, Ames, as well as an interment in the Hebron Cemetery in Adair County.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.