(Part 2 of 2)
The universal response I receive when mentioning Dudley’s passing is “he was a great guy”. And it’s true. It’s the perfect description for him. He wasn’t defensive, he never angered, he was super agreeable, and he always had a smile on his face and a giggle in his tone. 

Dudley came into my life as I was starting high school. I was pushing the boundaries of independence.  As you can imagine his military upbringing and my desire for freedom clashed. But as I matured, I drew a lot of my determination, desire for order and process and the ability to get stuff done from him.

Dudley was also a fighter; he enjoyed life and fought hard for it numerous times. Some would say that’s his stubbornness, but I’d say it was his profound love and dedication to my mother. And even in his last days you knew he was hanging on for her.
  
In the end, Dudley‘s greatest attribute was making my mother happy. His willingness to do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted is truly an achievement deserving of the highest honors. And despite all the other great things about him, what he’s done and where he’s been are somewhat meaningless to me because making her happy is the most and only important thing from my point of view and he was masterful at it.

Rest in peace, Dudley…you deserve it!

(Part 1 of 2)
We all know Toni is incredibly effective at getting things done. Or let me clarify, Toni is incredibly effective at getting other people to get her stuff done. And Dudley was the perfect soldier. Running errands, cooking meals, doing yardwork, shopping for groceries, putting signs up at four in the morning, whatever Toni wanted Dudley was willing to do.

Dudley’s loyalty, commitment and work ethic were immeasurable. He worked in food service for many years and would wake up and leave the house by 3:30 AM and wouldn’t get home until after the dinner shift. He would do this day in and out virtually every day of the week.

Dudley was a simple man, but in a good way.  He was never concerned with what other people thought of him, he didn’t need to pretend to be something he wasn’t in order to impress them. He also could find joy in places others find trivial or routine…like doing word searches or playing slots on his iPad. And one of his greatest gifts, he could seemingly fall asleep anywhere; in a church pew, in a movie theater, at a restaurant table, and certainly on the couch watching TV.

Dudley was a storyteller and he never met a stranger. He could remember dates, places, people, activities from any moment in his life. He would entertain with vivid details from what seemed like centuries ago. And put him in a room full of people he’s never met before, and you would think that they were all old buddies. He would laugh at every joke. He would agree with every comment; he was everybody’s perfect wingman.

Love you Uncle Matt! Praying for you guys ❤️

Sending you all love and prayers to help you through this difficult time.

Sherri

Toni and family, We are deeply saddened to hear of Van's passing. He was a good friend and Tom will miss all those conversations while he was at the house to cut your lawn. Rest easy Van.
Tom and Cindy Porter

Van was always a joy & a wonderful person to be around.  He will be fondly remembered & remain in many hearts 
Rest in peace 🙏

Dear Toni,

Deepest sympathy to you and your family! So sorry for your loss!🙏

Love, Cathy Strandson & family

OBITUARIO

Dudley "Van" Van Orman

10 mayo, 1940 – 18 agosto, 2025

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens

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