Funeral arrangements set for alumnus

Since the school learned of the death of alumnus Phillip Vinnedge last week, several steps have been taken to honor his death. The flag was lowered to half-mast, a moment of silence was observed at Friday’s football game and a poem written by senior Josh Flandreau was read in his honor.

This evening, Principal Sonny Arnel announced another showing of respect. Dr. Arnel received contact from the Baue Funeral Home director this morning, informing him the Vinnedge family had requested to drive by the school Thursday morning before proceeding to the funeral. After talking with the assistant principals and department heads today, Dr. Arnel has agreed to the request.

“It saddens me that we are taking part in this type of homecoming for one of our former students,” Dr. Arnel said in an e-mail issued to the staff Tuesday evening.

In the e-mail, Dr. Arnel outlined the plans for Thursday morning. The funeral director told Dr. Arnel the procession plans on being at FHC between 9:20-9:25 a.m. and will remain in contact with Dr. Arnel to make sure they are on schedule. With Thursday being a half day, this would likely mean fourth hour would be when they come by school. Dr. Arnel plans to come on the intercom and make an announcement when it is time for teachers to bring their classes down to the front of the school.

“I would like for all staff and students to spread out on the sidewalk in front of FHC,” Dr. Arnel said in his e-mail. “To accommodate the entire FHC family, we need to stretch out on the sidewalk from the auditorium entrance to the guard shack.”

Dr. Arnel also said he is “aware not all staff and students will want to take part in this show of respect due to their political views and a variety of very legitimate issues.” As such, the large gymnasium will be open to those who do not wish to participate in the procession.

The school will also play a part in the Celebration of Life ceremony. The Women’s Chamber Choir was asked by the family to sing.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 3-8 p.m. at the Baue Funeral Memorial Central (3950 West Clay St., St. Charles, MO 63301). Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Shepherd (1601 Woodstone Dr., St. Charles, MO 63304). A procession will then travel from the church to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (2900 Sheridan Rd., St. Louis, MO 63125) for the interment at 12:30 p.m.