Lawrence (Larry) Hubert Van Keulen

Lawrence (Larry) Hubert Van Keulen, age 89, passed peacefully into heaven at home May 8 after a courageous battle with cancer and time.

Born April 1, 1924, second son to Henry & Marie, Larry attended school in Minnesota until enlistment in the US Navy in 1942. He achieved the rank of US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Machinist and served honorably until his discharge in 1946. He earned a good conduct medal, Asia Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the WW2 Victory Medal. Larry returned and rejoined the rest of the Van Keulen's in Yakima, WA that same year. He began work as an auto mechanic at Cheshire Motors where he met his business partner and lifelong friend Jack Childress.

Jack and Larry started their own company in Moses Lake called C & V Auto Sales and Service in 1952, which was originally an Edsel Dealer. Jack and Larry eventually acquired the Chrysler franchise and offered a full line of new and used automobiles to Moses Lake and the surrounding communities. The two partners quickly found their special skills with Jack handling sales and management and Larry becoming the wizard of the service side. The two were much more than business partners over the years and owned an airplane together. Our Dads' hobbies included flying (he carried a private and commercial pilot's license), bowling, shooting pool, golf and spending time with his growing family. Larry was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church for sixty years and Moses Lake Golf Club for over 40 years. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, VFW, and American Legion of Moses Lake.

Larry met and married Ramona Kraft in 1952. They had three children Laurie Allen, Melinda Mayer, and John Van Keulen (Janet). A few years after Ramona's passing Larry met and married Donna Sumner in 1973. Donna had three children Tami Davenport (Tom), Tressa Stanton (Duncan) and Scott Sherwood (Stacy). Donna and their six children survived Larry along with 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many extended family and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, all five of his siblings and his first wife.

Special thanks for compassion and care to: ER Staff at Samaritan Hospital, ICU staff at Central Washington Hospital, Columbia Crest Care & Rehabilitation Center, Moses Lake Clinic, Dr. Michael Graham, Dr. Sareena Malhi, Margaret Stobaugh, Assured Hospice, Our Lady of Fatima staff & auxiliary, and all of our friends that have supported the Van Keulen family during the past several months.

In lieu of flowers, Larry would appreciate a donation to: The Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1337, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 764-4644 info@columbiabasincancerfoundation.org

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church, Moses Lake will host the celebration of life Friday, May 17. Rosary at 2:00 p.m., full mass at 2:30 p.m. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.