Richard Leroy Van Leeuwen

Richard Leroy Van Leeuwen, age 74, of Uniontown, Kan., died Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at Mercy Health Center. He was born Nov. 2, 1933, at St. Paul, Kan., the son of John Van Leeuwen and Ruth Mudd Van Leeuwen. Leroy graduated in 1951, from St. Patrick's High School, in Walnut, Kan. He was a veteran of the United Sates Army serving overseas in Germany. He married Irene Borello on Oct. 10, 1959, in Arma, Kan. Leroy retired following 33 years as co-owner of Van's Grocery and Locker, in Uniontown. Following his retirement he worked part time as a meat cutter with Rainbow Farms, of Uniontown. He was a member of the Mary Queens of Angels Catholic Church. He also was a 42 year charter member of the Uniontown Ruritan Club and served a six year term on the Uniontown City Council. His hobbies include woodworking, wood carving and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Irene, of the home; two daughters, Terri DelChiaro, of Fort Scott, and Tammie Van Leeuwen, of Wichita. Also surviving are three brothers, Don Van Leeuwen and Bob Van Leeuwen, both of Dayton, Ohio, and Jerry Van Leeuwen, of St. Paul; three sisters, Vera Karleskint, of Miami, Okla., Dee Seiwert, of St. Paul and Mary Jean Siedl, of Chanute; several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Hubert and Jack Van Leeuwen and one sister, Roselle Marnell.

Father Darin May will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., Tuesday in the Mary Queens of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in U.S. National Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhard Post No. 1165 V.F.W. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m., Monday in the Cheney Witt Chapel with visitation following from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Mercy Health Center Foundation (Cancer Treatment Center) and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.