Read Jon Leslie Vanover's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Jon Leslie Vanover

Spring, TX, USA

August 4, 1964 - March 25, 2020

Aug 4, 1964 - Mar 25, 2020

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Jon Leslie Vanover, 55 ( Spring, TX) went home March 25, 2020 to be with his Heavenly Father and Savior. Jon left this earthly world much like he lived, on his own authority. "I'm living to die, it's better on the other side" was often said, not to be morose, but to explain he knew of a better place with peace, forgiveness and love. Because of this, he did not fear death, he feared his addiction & the pain and emptiness death would leave behind for those he loved and for those who loved him.

Jon, born August 4, 1964, to Julian Cecil & Bettye Gene Vanover in Richmond Texas. Jon left school at an early age and was a self-taught, self-made man. He succeeded a few times over, building companies from the ground up with nothing but his sweat, hard will and determination. He had a gift of looking at anything and figuring it out. If he couldn't figure it out he bought a book and learned about it. He loved being outdoors, being physical and being his own boss. This love naturally led to the choice of landscaping. Lawn Fitness, his last venture, served many in the Spring Texas area. He cared about his customers and it showed. Often providing much more than lawn care. In return, many of his customers cared and respected Jon. Describe by customers as a wonderful and great friend, a good guy, a kind soul with a big heart. His love of planting came from his namesake and grandfather, Johnny. He had many other hobbies and at the top of this list was the gym. He was the definition of a gym rat. He knew his need to be physically worn to help fight his battles of alcoholism and depression. The gym was a saving grace on many occasions. Other hobbies he loved included reading the Gospel, manuals & self-help books, cooking, fast cars, big trucks and being of service to others, unwitnessed. Unwitnessed was important to him. He always said, there is no greater feeling then helping others. He gave no value to wealth, possessions, "mans" rules, pride or judgements. It was like he knew something we all didn't but struggled to explain it. Those who knew him watched his life unfold with wonderment and frustration. It led to witnessing amazing acts of courage to overcome a life of hardships but also his regrets that haunted him. He forgave easily but struggled with his own. A quote his daughter shared, "Sometimes I am two people, Johnny is the nice one, Cash causes all the trouble". He was a personality that embodied some of his nicknames; Big-Jon, Papa Jonny, Jonny Boy, Rocky and Jon-Jon. He absence is deeply felt, a life unfinished that deserved more. Comfort is taken that he is back with Christ, where he has longed to be for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his first born, Candace Renee Barrett Vanover, a loss he never truly recovered from.

Jon is survived by his children, Kristen Denise Shirley, Joshua Jon Vanover and Presley Nicole Vanover; grandchildren; Blake Allen, Lillian Love and Penelope Peace Shirley; his siblings; David Lynn Vanover and Susan Kay Holliday; nieces and nephews, Brandon Lee Hensley, Trace Christopher Hensley, Alex David Vanover and Danielle Lynn Vanover and many cousins.

Please reach out to loved ones during these hard times. For those that struggle with an addiction and/or depression this is an unusually extreme circumstance to conquer. If you feel a tug to give in honor of Jon. I think he would want it to be whatever charity tugs on your heart the most. It is the act of giving that honors him. Family wishes to thank everyone that has reached out with kind words, well wishes and the sharing of their experiences. A celebration of Jon's life to be held once the stay-at-home has been lifted. Details to be shared at a later time.

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