Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever Sr., one of more than 400 Navajo Code Talkers who developed a secret military code during World War II, died Friday. He was 96.

Vandever's daughter Sheila Nez, 54, said her father passed away in Haystack, New Mexico.

"He had health issues and it just took his life," she said. "He lost my mom, who he had lived with for 73 years, on Sept. 24, 2019. I think that's probably part of it, too."

Nez said that her mother, Bessie D. Vandever, was always there for her dad and often helped him bounce back whenever he went into the hospital.

Vandever will be buried next to his wife in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Vandever, from Haystack, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 as a Navajo Code Talker. Vandever was drafted at age 19, and he was honorably discharged in January 1946.

Vandever served in the Pacific theater. He was a part of the 6th Marine Division during his service in Okinawa, Japan, and China. He was in the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion in Bougainville, and then the 4th Marines Regiment Brigade while in Guam.

“The Navajo people have lost another great warrior who sacrificed more than we’ll ever know to defend our country. On behalf of the Navajo Nation, we offer our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his children, and many other loved ones,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Vandever was sent overseas in October 1943 and joined the 6th Marine Division, 3rd Raider Battalion. He traveled on 16 battleships and was stationed in New Caledonia, the Somoan Islands, Bougainville, Guadacanal, Emirau Island, Guam, Okinawa, Japan and China.

"I was the translator of incoming and outgoing information at headquarters," Vandever said in 2010 interview provided by his family

He translated Navajo messages and took them to the commanding officers in English. If he wasn't doing that, he said he would be out marching or setting up communication posts for the front lines.

"Nobody ever broke the code," Vandever said in a documentary. "Our language is powerful."

The Navajo Code Talkers who are still alive include John Kinsel Sr., Samuel Sandoval, Thomas H. Begay and Peter MacDonald.

After his time in the Marine Corps, Vandever became a Navajo medicine man.

Nez said she hopes people not only remember her father for his service but that he was a great person, supported education and advocated for people to learn Navajo language and culture.

"His legacy was that he really encouraged Navajo language, Navajo culture and Navajo religion because back then there wasn't so much of Christianity," she said. "He had his traditional ceremonies done by his grandparents and relatives during the time he left for war."

"That's one of the things he really believed in," she added.

One of the things she'll remember most? Her dad wanted people to be optimistic in life, surround themselves with positive thinking and "be positive in life no matter what happens."

Survivors include his sister Mary Vandever Delgarito; sons Gary, Tracy, Obie, Joe Jr. and Lester Vandever; daughters Beth Nez, Phegie Vandever Slim and Sheila Vandever Nez; 36 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Walter Vandever; his wife, Bessie D. Vandever; son Anthony Vandever; and grandsons Charleston, Antonio and Travis Vandever.

Services are being arranged with Cope Memorial Chapel in Gallup, New Mexico. Burial will be in Santa Fe National Cemetery. Further details are forthcoming.

Reporter Shondiin Silversmith covers Indigenous people and communities in Arizona. Reach her at ssilversmi@arizonarepublic.com and follow her Twitter @DiinSilversmith.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.