Roger R van Rekom

Roger R van Rekom, 85, of Crossville TN formerly of Gainesville passed away June 30, 2018.

Having donated his body to Meharry Medical College, a Private Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Born in Glendora, CA he was the son of the late Henri and Catherine van Rekom. He attended Southern CA Military Academy in Carlsbad, CA, and served in the United State Air Force serving in the Korea War. He earned his bachelor of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University. Mr. van Rekom worked for State Farm Ins. Co. for 42 years starting his career in Victoria, TX. He later transferred to Jacksonville, FL and completed his career in the Atlanta area.  During his retirement, Mr. van Rekom operated an Alpaca and Cattle Ranch and developed many properties in Georgia and Tennessee. He enjoyed traveling throughout the world, loved gardening- studied Master Gardener Program at UT Plateau Gardens. Mr. van Rekom enjoyed mentoring his children and grandchildren. He served on the Scholarship committee for the Korean War Veterans.

He was a firm believer in education and volunteer work.  His favorite quote was “I believe… that our background and circumstances influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.”

In addition to his parents, Mr. van Rekom is preceded in death by his son, Randy van Rekom.

Mr. van Rekom is survived by his wife, Andrea van Rekom of Crossville, TN; son, Ron (Barbara) van Rekom of Dana point, CA; daughter, Julie (Chris) Robinson of Gainesville; daughter, Amy (Bill) Wortel of Crossville, TN; grandchildren, Rebecca and Tatum Robinson, Sean, Seth and Abby Steele and a number of other relatives.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donation be made to the American Lung Assoc. or Hospice of Cumberland County, 30 East Adams St. Crossville, TN 38555

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.