James Allan Vlerebome

Allan Vlerebome departed this world on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 while under hospice care at Lanfair Nursing Home in Lancaster. He had fought a valiant battle against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases for the past four years.

Born August 21, 1933 and a lifelong resident of Lancaster, he graduated from LHS in 1951, attended Washington and Lee University from ’51-53 and then transferred to Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating in 1955. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at both colleges, and while attending OWU met his future wife, Martha Rinehart. Following graduation from college, Allan worked for his grandfather and father’s business, A.B. Vlerebome and Son Wholesale Grocers, on the road supplying small grocery stores throughout Fairfield, Hocking, Pickaway and Perry counties.

Allan served in the U.S. Army from January 1956 through December 1957 in Bad Herzfeld, West Germany as a radio operator. He also played golf throughout Europe “representing” the Armed Forces in the German Amateur, German Open, French Amateur and French Open. He missed the entry deadline for the British Open by one day

After his discharge from the Army, Allan began his dream career as the golf professional at the Lancaster Country Club in 1959. His love of the outdoors, golf and people melded together in this position for the next 13 years.

In 1972, Allan transitioned to the banking industry with Fairfield National Bank as a business loan officer. Here he used his people skills with Lancaster and Fairfield County business owners helping them grow and develop their businesses through the loans and services provided by this local banking institution. He also thanked these business owners for their loyalty by hosting them on fishing charters that he ran in Michigan during the salmon runs off of Lake Huron.

In 1983, Allan stepped out in his final career shift by joining the Verco Company, a small stock brokerage firm that was eventually acquired by Advest, Inc. of Hartford, Connecticut. Allan retired from Advest in November of 2005, having again drawn upon his years of local knowledge, trusted relationships and sound financial advice to guide clients toward meeting their personal and retirement goals.

During his lifetime, Allan touched many young lives. He was a coach for several Biddy Basketball teams through the Family Y youth basketball program. He coached teams at South Elementary and East Elementary, taking the East School Bobcats to the Biddy Championship in 1970 along with his best childhood friend, the late John Huddle. He also imparted his knowledge of golf by teaching golf lessons through the Y for many years.

Memberships in local service and social organizations included the Lancaster Rotary Club #375 and the local chapter of Symposiarchs where he was a past president. Allan attended the First Presbyterian Church, and the family would like to thank the Elders and Rev. Matthew Richardson for their visits to Lanfair during Allan’s residency.

Preceded in death by his parents, Arthur M. and Mary Kathryn Vlerebome, and a sister, Ann V. Sorenson, Allan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marty Vlerebome, daughter Kathy Kittredge of Lancaster and her son Michael Kittredge III of Amherst, Massachusetts and son Pete Vlerebome, wife Tina, and sons Conner, Cramer and Crew Vlerebome of Birmingham, Alabama. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Hugh and Katherine Rinehart, and a special cousin Larry Beneke, along with many nieces and nephews and their respective families.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church, 222 N. Broad St., Lancaster. Calling hours will be from 11am – 2 pm followed by a celebration of Allan’s life. Private burial services will take place Saturday morning for the family at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to Fairhope Hospice & Palliative Care, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, or the First Presbyterian Church, 222 N. Broad St., Lancaster, OH 43130