John “Clay” VanAntwerp, 63, of Sebastian, passed away on June 2, 2015.
He is survived by his wife Linda; sons Michael, Sidney and Jeremiah; daughter Amy; nine grandchildren; his sister Nina and brother-in-law Tim; niece and nephew Monique and JD; niece Charmaine; and loving friends.
VanAntwerp was born in Pensacola, Fla., in late 1951. Although given up for adoption, he used his Florida sky blue eyes and well known charm to entice his parents-to-be to bring him home to live with them in Vero Beach. He grew up along the banks of the Sebastian and Indian rivers, learning to hunt, fish, boat, build, enjoy southern cooking, love Jesus and generally how to be a Florida cracker.
Following in the Master’s trade, VanAntwerp decided to try his hand at carpentry and struck out on his own in Phoenix, Ariz., where he met his lovely wife Linda. They enjoyed their life together and began building a family in Arizona, but he missed the sea breeze, so they returned to Sebastian with his young family.
VanAntwerp became a Master Carpenter and helped rebuild Florida after several devastating hurricanes. He also struggled with his own internal hurricane, alcoholism, from which he, Linda and his family had to rebuild several times.
With the help of Christ and AA, he eventually conquered alcoholism and became a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved to grill, boat on the river, spend time with family and friends and help others defeat their demons. His faith in Christ showed in everything he did: his love for his family and friends, his pride in his work and his dedication to living for Christ.
He died unexpectedly. He is now out of pain and suffering and left this place to rest in The Ultimate Paradise surrounded by friends and family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m. at Riverside Church, 11205 Roseland Road in Sebastian. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help Linda with expenses related to his passing. Donations are tax deductible and may be made to the “Clay Van Antwerp Celebration of Life Fund” care of Riverside Church, 11205 Roseland Rd, Sebastian, FL 32958. For questions or additional information, please call Riverside Church at (772) 589-7825.
Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory of Sebastian is entrusted with arrangements.
