E.L. Vanover

E. L. "Van" Vanover, 80, Topeka, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2003 at Midland Hospice House.

He was born March 11, 1923 in Oronaque, Kansas in Norton County, the son of Elva and Thelma Sutton Vanover. Following high school, he came with his family to Topeka.

Mr. Vanover worked as sales manager for Coca Cola Bottling Company until his retirement. He served in the Merchant Marines during WW2. He formerly was a member of the Sunflower Lions Club, Moose Lodge and the VFW.

He married Claire Myers on March 30, 1946. She died June 7, 1961. He married Burtine Currence on Nov. 21, 1961. She died May 17, 1985. He married Betty J. Carroll on May 10, 1986. She died Sept. 22, 1997. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda K. Vanover, grandson, Denver Nelson Vanover, 3 brothers, Wayne Vanover, Darrell Vanover, Donald Vanover, and a sister, Bonnie Young.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Barber of Lee's Summit, MO; son, Dan Vanover of Kansas City, MO; step-daughter, Paula R. Smith of Topeka; 2 brothers, Clifton Vanover of Houston, TX, Gerald Vanover of Austin, TX; 2 sisters, Opal "Peg" Coultis and Dixie Gilchrist, both of Topeka; 3 grandchildren, Amy K. Loescher of Lyndon, Todd C. Hawkins of Lee's Summit, Jeff Smelser of Topeka; 6 great-grandchildren, Chelsea and Joshua Cowen, Melissa Loescher all of Lyndon, Taylor Smelser of Topeka, and Brooklyn and Brittany Hawkins both of Shawnee Mission.

Services will be 3:00 pm Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Interment will be at West Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Vanover will lie in state after 9 am today at the funeral home, where the family will recieve friends from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice House, 120 SW Frazier Circle, 66606.

Online condolences may be left at www.penwellgabel.com.