Kenneth E. "Skip" Van Doren

78, of Van Wert, died at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Cottage at Story Lake, Ind.

He was born Nov. 17, 1930, in Adrian, Mich. to the late Kenneth Van Doren and Berma (Shepard) Van Doren-Place. Fred Place, Sr., who had raised him, is also deceased. Kenneth married Naomi (Knittle) Van Doren. She survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include his children, David (Jennifer) Van Doren of Paw Paw, Mich., Vickie (Vernon) Horther of Lima, Ohio, and Micheal (Dawn) Van Doren of Van Wert; his half brothers, Fred Place of Linton, Ind., and Jim Van Doren of Tipton, Mich.; his half sisters, Sue Starling of Tipton, Mich., and Kay Flavin of Detroit, Mich.; his grandchildren, Christopher Van Doren of Van Wert, Jennifer Van Doren of Paw Paw, Mich., Phillip Miller of Delphos, Ohio, Joanna Bebe of Florida, Samuel Holes, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio, Jasmine Diemer of Van Wert, and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Thomas Van Doren.

He had retired from the former Aeroquip Corp. He was a member of Van Wert American Legion Post 178 and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1320. Skip was an avid hunter and fisherman and thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with his entire family.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2009 at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert. The Rev. Paul Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery Van Wert. Calling hours are 2-6 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009, at the funeral home.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Mooseheart or a charity of the donor's choice.