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Delbert Van Dusen

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Delbert Louis Van Dusen, U.S. Air Force Reserve retired, 75, of Knoxville, Tenn., passed away Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, at home after a brief, but courageous, battle with cancer. He was a member of the Catholic faith.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Helen Sue Kilby Van Dusen; parents, Wayne Van Dusen and Evelyn Collier Van Dusen of Coleta; and sister, Geraldine Zinke of Rock Falls.

He is survived by daughter, Vicky Van Dusen and son, David Van Dusen, both of Knoxville, Tenn.; brother, Ronald Van Dusen of Sterling; sisters, Jean Decker of Morrison and Debra Chapman of Sterling; and several nieces and nephews.

β€œVan” was born Aug. 9, 1935, in Sterling. He joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict and received his commission as a second lieutentant from the U.S. Army in 1961. He remained active with the military as a reservist and guardsman in the Army and Air National Guard until his retirement in 1985.

Van retired from Martin Marietta Energy Systems (Union Carbide) as a quality assurance engineer in 1992. He also was owner of West Park Esso Service Center and Vans Cycle Restorations, specializing in the restoration of antique Harley Davidsons.

As a licensed pilot, he was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Other memberships include Sports Car Club of America, Harley Owners Group, and National Street Rod Association. He also was an avid sailor and after retirement spent 5 years restoring a 45-foot wooden ketch. In early adulthood, Van was an aspiring singer/songwriter and performed for years on the Tennessee Valley Barn Dance and various other venues, radio and TV shows in Illinois, and around east Tennessee.

The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City, Tenn. Family and friends gathered at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, Tenn., for graveside service and interment with full military honors, with the Rev. Kent Williams officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St., Knoxville, TN 37919, or the American Cancer Society.

Visit www.mynattfh.com to send condolences.