Willard R. Vanfleet Jr.

Willard Roy "Billy" VanFleet Jr. died Saturday afternoon being a hero beside his dad. He and his dad lost their lives saving the lives of his girlfriend and baby girl from drowning in the family pond.

Born in Scranton, son of Nancy Keene Martin and the late Willard R. VanFleet Sr., who died in 1987, he was also the stepson of Glyn Martin, and his late stepfather, Mark W. Keene.

There is no short description of Billy. He was a jack of all trades. He lived his life to the fullest. He was an avid outdoorsman, shooting 1,000 yards at a time. He was a member of the Stump Jumpers, a diehard motorcycle rider with his dad, Mark, and his many friends. Billy was a 1991 graduate of Abington Heights High School. He was a great equipment operator who helped many local excavating businesses. He ran fire rescue with his dad for Scott Twp. Volunteer Fire Company. He spent many years racing street stock car No. 56 at all the local dirt tracks, and as a child he raced dirt bikes with his dad. He was also a freight relocator, owning his own fleet of trucks and driving coast to coast. He was a great friend who gave his all, a son who loved unconditionally, a hard worker, lover and father to his family. To top it off, he loved Jack Daniels on rare occasions and country music.

Also surviving are a brother, David VanFleet and his wife, Madeline, Wellington, Fla.; an aunt, Donna Jadwin, and her husband, Robert, Noblesville, Ind.; a niece, Morgan VanFleet; and a cousin, Terry Kelsey. Billy also leaves behind his girlfriend, Nicole, and two daughters, Cassie and Allie; two beloved dogs, Sonya and Ebony, and two beloved cats.

A memorial service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. from the Scott Twp. Hose Company, Route 438, Montdale, with services by the Rev. Judy Wanck, pastor of the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church.

Friends may call Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, and Sunday, 1 until time of service at the hose company. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scott Twp. Hose Company; or the Benton Lions Club, P.O. Box 182, Fleetville, 18420.