Elven L. "Van" Van Doren, age 93, of Delta, peacefully passed away at Fulton Manor in Wauseon early Tuesday morning, October 7, 2014. He was born in Delta on August 8, 1921 and adopted by his grandparents, the late Benjamin Van Doren and Ida (Thurston) Van Doren. On August 9, 1941 he was united in marriage to Margaret Danser and together enjoyed 73 years together. Van was a WWII Veteran having served with the US Navy as an aviation machinist. He worked for the Pet Milk Company from 1939 – 1942 and later in 1946 with the US Postal Service; where he served the last 23 years as a carrier for rural route #1, until his retirement in 1980. He was a proud volunteer of the Delta Fire Department for many years. One of Van's dearest hobbies was model trains; which he constructed scenes and sets in his garage. Surviving is his wife, Margaret; daughter, Janet (Richard) Booher of Delta; son, Robert (Myrna) Van Doren of Florida; grandchildren, Ronda (Bruce) Hawkins, Robert (Karen) Van Doren and Rochelle (Chris) Blunt and great grandchildren, Spencer, Cooper, Kylie and Olivia. Friends will be received prior to the service from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109, Delta, Ohio 43515; where a funeral service celebrating Van's life will begin at 12:00 Noon on Saturday. Private interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta. Pastor David Rison will be officiating. Those wishing a show of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to the Delta Fire and Rescue, 500 E. Main St., Delta, Ohio 43515 in his memory. Please visit www.barnesfuneralchapel.com to send condolences to Van's family.
