Farewell, Friend

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of Van VanEngelenhoven of Kingdom City, Missouri, who died on June 17 after a long battle with lung cancer. He owned and operated Van's Garage and Towing in Kingdom City since 1972.

Here's his obituary:

Vernon Gene “Van” VanEngelenhoven, 61, of Kingdom City, Missouri passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, after his longtime battle with lung cancer. He was born February 12, 1948 in Oskaloosa, Iowa the son of the late Harley James and Angeline Beatrice (Bennink) Engelenhoven. On May 16, 1970 he was united in marriage to Linda Lou (Stephens) VanEngelenhoven who survives at their home.

In addition to his wife of thirty-nine years, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by four children, Jennifer VanEngelenhoven, Melissa VanEngelenhoven (Adams), Jesse VanEngelenhoven, and Kelly VanEngelenhoven; an honorary child, Janah Ebbert; six grandchildren, Zachary Adams, Timothy Adams, Rachel VanEngelenhoven, Daisy Adams, Amelia VanEngelenhoven, and Lilly Adams; honorary grandchildren, Sarah Ebbert, Jeffery Ebbert, Mary Ebbert (Casebolt), Issac Ebbert, and Rebekah Ebbert; one brother, Orley VanEngelenhoven; one sister, Elaine VanEngelenhoven (Wilson); other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Bonnie VanEngelenhoven (McClure).

Vernon owned and operated Van’s Garage and Towing in Kingdom City since 1972. He served our country as a heavy equipment mechanic and expert rifleman during a sixteen month tour in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he received a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed running tow trucks and his business. He was elected to two terms on the city council for Kingdom City where he loved working to grow the city. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1603 Kingswood Drive, Fulton, Missouri with Bishop Spencer Palmer conducting. President Michael J. Reall will be speaking with Gary Nevels reading the eulogy. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009 at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, Missouri and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Interment will be held at the Auxvasse Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Vernon VanEngelenhoven Memorial Fund, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Boulevard, Fulton, Missouri 65251. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com