John Edward Vermeer

John Edward Vermeer, age 77, of Glenwood, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. He was born on August 13, 1942 in Tecumseh, Nebraska, the son of Orril Lynn Vermeer and Ruth Elba Cox Vermeer. He grew up in Sterling, Nebraska where his family were farmers. On June 20, 1964, he was married to Wanda Gafford. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. John was a United States Army veteran and served with the 101st Airborne. While stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he met his bride to be, Wanda. He was a former store manager for Zales Jewelers in Hot Springs and had served as president of the Central City Merchants Association. John was a member and deacon of the Glenwood First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Vermeer of Glenwood; four children and their spouses, Robin and Greg Bobo of Hope, Brian and Gayle Vermeer of Ashdown, Michelle and Robert Garner of Surprise, Arizona and Jeanette Smith of Russellville; eighteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren with another great-grandbaby on the way; his brother, David Vermeer of Sterling, Nebraska; his sister, Mavis Brinkman of Lincoln, Nebraska; and his nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 31, 2020, in the Glenwood First Baptist Church with Bro. Erby Burgess officiating. Military services will be conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard. Visitation will be held Thursday, 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.