Van served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He received the China Service Medal, National Defense Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Van is survived by: wife Doris Korenek; sons, Lonnie Keys Roberts and Ronnie Sharp; daughters, Karen Hinton, Kassandra Gear, and Lois Ilic; brothers, Terry Powell & wife Teresa, Charles Powell & wife Lois, Jimmy Powell & wife Ann, Marlin Powell & wife Ginger, Rick Powell, and Bo Powell & wife Frances; sisters-in-law, Betty Harless & husband Harold, Melinda Powell, and Michelle Smiley; numerous grandkids, including Michael and Crystal Ilic; and numerous nieces including Tiffany and TJ, and nephews.

Van is preceded in death by his parents.

Service: a private family ceremony will be conducted at a later date.