Van Steven Effler

Effler, SMSGT (Retired), Van Steven, age 53, of Bangkok, Thailand, formerly of Knoxville, passed away September 23, 2011 in Bangkok. Following his high school graduation in 1979, Steve enlisted into the United States Air force. Retiring in 1991 as a Master Sgt., he served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and was also involved in special operations in Beirut and Operation Urgent Fury in Greneds. Steve was preceded in death by grandparents, Bill and Ivalee Gregory Effler, James and Helen Lee Jenkins; and father, Van B. Effler. Survivors include wife, Chantana Effler; mother, Lois Jenkins Effler; sister, Sherrie Effler Gaylor Hatcher; brother, Michael Dean Effler; nieces, Chesshire Gaylor, Vara and Aurora Hatcher; nephew, Phoenix Lee Gaylor; and many other relatives and friends. Family will receive friends from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2011 in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, with a celebration of life service to follow at 2:30 p.m., Rev. Dana Fachman officiating. Interment will follow at Stock Creek Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com..