Charles Van Ostran

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Mr. Charles R. Van Ostran, Jr., 82, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Friday morning, October 17, 2014, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, after a lengthy illness.

Charles began his earthly journey on November 20, 1931, in Freeburg, Missouri, son of the late Charles R. Van Ostran, Sr. and Laura (Franklin) Van Ostran. He was raised and graduated high school in Freeburg. He attended Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, before entering the United States Air Force. After being honorably discharged he attended Missouri University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He remained in the Air Force Reserves, retiring in 1987, as Master Sergeant. On August 28, 1958, he was united in marriage to Betty Jane AuBuchon and to this union three sons and one daughter were born. They resided in Chanute, Kansas, for sixteen years before moving to Joplin, Missouri, in 1975. He retired in 1998 from the Missouri State Highway Department where he worked as a material inspector for several years. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, farming and tending to the needs of his cattle.
Charles was a member of the First Baptist Church in Joplin, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Charles Andrew Van Ostran; and three brothers, Harrison, Herbert and Bobby Van Ostran.

Charles is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Betty Van Ostran of the home; two sons, Stan Van Ostran and wife, Terry, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and Steve Van Ostran and wife, Debbie, of Parker, Colorado; a daughter, Peggy Boyd and husband, Doug, of Caruthersville, Missouri; nine grandchildren; two sisters, Alice Feeler and husband, Bob, of Vienna, Missouri and Lillian Vinyard and husband, Jim, also of Vienna; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Van Ostran are 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 20, 2014, in the Chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri, with Pastor Jamie Tinsel officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 2-4:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to the First Baptist Church and contributions may be left at the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.