James Franklin Van Houten
James Franklin Van Houten
James Franklin Van Houten, 102, of Clarence passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at his home in Clarence.
James was born on June 16, 1918, in Hagers Grove, the son of Ralph Noah and Opal Virginia (McKay) Van Houten. He was united in marriage to Florence Turner on August 30, 1938 in Eminence, MO. She preceded him in death on March 6, 2000.
James is survived by his four children, Neal Van Houten (Maxine) of Clarence, MO, Joy Payne (Lynn) of Iowa, Karen Copenhaver of Independence, MO, and Kathy Rufener (Wendell) of Clarence; 10 grandchildren, Mark Copenhaver, Kelli Pinet (Damon), Chelsey Grassley (Zach), Heather Ballance (Scott), Wendi Chalmers (Phil), Haley Beall (Wesley), David Van Houten (Kate), Dawn Van Houten, Daniel Van Houten (Mary Lynn), and Cara Barefield (Phillip); great-grandkids, Ashley, Jordan, Derek, Nicole, Ashley, Tag, Beckett, Cam, Madison, Lainie, Gavin, Riley, Wendell, Gretchen, Tobey, Luke, Nicholas, Neal, Anthony, Amber, Sam, Lilly and Parker; great-great grandkids, Bryson, Haley, Derrick, Christina, Payton, Quentin, Shelby, Liam, Rachael, Lucas, Zoey, Sophie, Josie, Mckenlee and Eli.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife and one sister, Ruth Simpson.
James was a member of the Union Church, Gideon’s, and the Flywheel of Macon. In 1964, he started his career as a land contractor. He also farmed for several years, and up until this past year was still driving a tractor. James enjoyed restoring antique tractors, working in the field, playing cards and pool, crossword puzzles and reading his Bible.
A private family service, including the Union Church family, will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020 at the Union Church, south of Clarence. A visitation will precede the service starting at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held in the Union Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be made to the Union Church, Gideon’s, Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch, the Central Christian College of the Bible, or the Union Cemetery.
