The greatest generation has lost another. Van served his country in the Army Air Corps as a pilot in WWII, deployed to the China-Burma-India Theater. There he flew numerous missions over the Himalayan Mountains, (the Hump) supplying the war effort in China. As a result of his service to our country he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Like many in his generation, he did his duty and returned to civilian life and got on with it. Van graduated with honors with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University. He accepted a position in Texas City for the Union Carbide Corporation, and worked there from 1948 until retiring in 1985. He married Haydee Millett on October 10, 1942. Van and Haydee lived and raised their family in League City from 1948 until displaced by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Van was active in his community. He served as a councilman for ten years in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He was a parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church in League City, serving as a eucharistic minister and choir member for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. His final years were spent living in Victoria.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Haydee Millet Van Manen of Victoria; his daughter, Gwen Ledoux and husband, Will of Georgetown; son, Bill and wife, Laura of Richmond VA; son, Stephen and wife, Patti of Victoria; son, Jim and wife, Marsha of Dickinson; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Clarabel Stumpf of Richmond, VA.
A Rosary will be recited at 1:30 pm Friday, March 8, 2013, at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dickinson.
Pallbearers will be all of Van’s grandchildren, and honorary pallbearers will be his great grandchildren.
The family would like to acknowledge Elmcroft Assisted Living, Sodalis Elder Living, Victoria Nursing and Rehab and Accolade Hospice for the love and care provided to Van during the last few years and days. A special word of thanks is offered to Melinda of Accolade Hospice for the tender care and comfort she provided to Van and his family.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Our Lady Of Victory Cathedral, 1309 E. Mesquite, Victoria, Texas, 77901, St Mary Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker Street, League City, Texas, 77573, Accolade Hospice, 222 W. Grand, Yoakum, Texas, 77995 or St. Joseph High School, 110 E. Red River, Victoria, Texas, 77901.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
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