Van Owen Breedlove Sr.

Van Owen Breedlove, Sr.Mulhearn Funeral HomeWest Monroe, LA On May 2, 2015, another WWII veteran and member of the greatest generation left this earth.Van Owen Breedlove, Sr., born in Florence, AR, November 24, 1921, to Milton and Edith Owen Breedlove passed away from this world to the next after a brief but valiant battle with leukemia. A curious man, Van loved reading and learning. As many know, he also loved good food and a good story. He enjoyed telling about his time spent out west with the Civilian Conservation Corp, his WWII service, being a professional bus driver and as an engineer for Missouri Pacific Railroad.Like many of his peers his early education was interrupted to assist with caring for the farm where he lived with his parents and 5 siblings: Hubert, Ruth, Cecil, Kathleen and Lucille, all who preceded him in death.He married his first wife, Stella Amy Bookout Breedlove in 1950 after meeting on a blind date. They had 3 children – Van Owen Breedlove, Jr (who preceded his father in death April 23, 2015), Charles (Chuck) Breedlove and wife Lisa of Little Rock, AR and Deanne Breedlove Groves and husband Greg of West Monroe, LA. After Stella’s passing in January, 2007, Van was lucky enough to find love again in the person of Ruth Parks. They married in August of 2008. As his wife, Ruth has given him so much love, care and attention in their life together. With that marriage came 3 more grown children: Conni Myers and husband Richard of West Monroe, LA; Sheryl Ramsey and husband Andy of Rocky Branch, LA; Rhonda Burdeaux and husband David of West Monroe, LA.Both families provided Van with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren that he loved and enjoyed. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and wonderful friends as well who all mourn his passing. As Van was a Christian and a faithful member of Jackson Street Church of Christ, his memorial service will be conducted by Don DeLukie, former pastor there and elder, Terry Ware.The service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Jackson Street Church of Christ, 1103 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, Monroe under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Monday, May 4, 2015 at Jackson Street Church of Christ. Pallbearers will be Dr. Dan Moore, Keith Breedlove, Andy Ramsey, David Burdeaux, Tyler Burdeaux and Dylan Burdeaux. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ayden Greenwell and Barry Hayes. Our dad grew up in a generation of hardships. He learned hard work, loyalty, frugality and responsibility. These are traits we are grateful he taught us as well. Memorials may be made to: Jackson Street Church of Christ Mexico Mission Fund, 1103 Jackson Street, Monroe, LA 71202. We are indebted to the nursing staff on St. Francis 6th floor, Serenity Home Care-especially caregiver, Gabby, Stat Home Heath with special caregiver, Don, St. Joseph Hospice, exceptional caregiver, Eller and all the family and friends who helped make Van’s last days as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Do not stand at my grave and weep;I am not there. I do not sleep.Do not stand as my grave and cry.I am not there. I did not die. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com