Charles Van Doren

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Charles V. Van Doren, 90, of Perryville died Wednesday, May 8, 2013, in Perryville.

He was born March 1, 1923, in Cape Girardeau, to Martin and Alma Clippard Van Doren. He and Leona Johnson were married March 9, 1943, and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage until her passing July 8, 1993. He and wife Dorothy were married Oct. 8, 1994.

Charlie grew up in Perryville, graduating from St. Vincent's High School in 1940.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in the 15th Air Force as a nose gunner on a B-24 bomber, stationed in Italy during World War II. He proudly attended many reunions over the years.

He is survived by his wife; three children, Tim (Marilyn) Van Doren of Pevely, Mo., Linda (Joe) Basler of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., and Polly (Richard) Orr of Buffalo, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Martin (Denise) Van Doren of Jasper, Ind., Jay (Darcie) Van Doren of Geneseo, Ill., Richard (Stacey) Zoellner of Fishers, Ind., Laurie (Eric) Perkins of Macomb, Ill., Kristine (John) Hettenhausen of O'Fallon, Ill., Matthew Lottes of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., Gregory (Krystol) Lottes of Ballwin, Mo., and Kathryn Orr of Springfield, Mo.; and 12 great-grandchildren who brought him special joy. He also is survived by a close friend to Charlie and Dorothy, Alice Boxdorfer; and two sisters, Virginia Prost of Ste. Genevieve and Marge Mills of Perryville; and a sister-in-law, Leona Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jane (Lee) Lottes of Ste. Genevieve who died April 13, 2009; a sister, Ruth Hart who died in 2012; and an older brother, Joseph Van Doren, who died in childhood; and five brothers-in-law, Herbert Johnson, Ralph Johnson, Roy Prost, Robert Mills and Rod Hart.

Charlie was a 1949 graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia. He was a manufacturer's representative with the shoe industry for nearly 50 years, and developed long friendships with many of his customers.

An avid sports fan, he enjoyed playing baseball well into adulthood and was instrumental in the formation of the Perryville Stars baseball team. He managed teens baseball and in later years was inducted into the Southeast Missouri Baseball Hall of Fame.

His wit, resilience and love of family defined him. Charlie's tremendous legacy always will be treasured by those who loved him, and their memories will ensure that he will be celebrated by future generations.

Visitation will be from noon until time of service Saturday in the Gathering Space at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville. The rosary will be recited at 1 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Stephen Gallegos officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery with graveside military honors courtesy of American Legion Post 133 and Delta Team.

Miller Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family who wish to honor him may contribute to St. Vincent Centennial Endowment Fund.