Ben VanLue

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Benjamin Herbert VanLue, 85, of Granby, MO was called home to heaven on January 11, 2024. Ben was born on March 17, 1938, in Harvard, IL to Harvey and Alma Van Lue, the oldest of 8 children. 

In 1957, after graduating high school in Ocala, FL he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country honorably through 1960. Ben continued to serve his country, traveling to different military bases in the U.S. as a civilian and during the Vietnam War traveling to Vietnam to repair combat damaged helicopters. 

In 1960, he returned to Missouri where he would meet and marry his “sugar-booger”, Sarah Jane (Lutes) Van Lue. Together, they celebrated 59 years of marriage and raised 3 children. 

Ben used his many years of construction work to build his children and then his grandchildren a beautiful playhouse so they could have their own place to play. He always had an incredible soft spot for children and could entertain them by making a quick funny face, sharing a high five, or giving a piece of candy. He could always be heard at any sporting event cheering on his children then grandchildren. He loved his family fiercely and could always be counted on to drop what he was doing to be there for whoever needed him whether that was pulling a grandchild’s tooth or making sure someone got to practice, he was there. He shared this selflessness with his church after his retirement serving on committees, lending a helping hand, and greeting everyone with a smile or hug on Sunday mornings.

 

Ben leaves behind many loved ones including his wife, Jane, and their three children: Alma Jane (Brian) Carney of Granby, MO, Julie Van Lue (Scott Vorhees) of Joplin, MO, and Eric (Dana) Van Lue of Stark City, MO. Grandchildren: Brooke (Jared) Brown, Megan (Alexx) Acheson, Kylee (Tate) Smith, Mariah (Michael) Marshall, Brinnen, Braiden, Leigha, and Laura Van Lue, 3 great granddaughters and 2 great granddaughters on the way. Additional survivors include his siblings Beverly Loe, Evelyn Reider, Doug Van Lue, Harvey Lee Van Lue and Tim Van Lue, a very special niece Judy Overfelt-Lovelady of Ocala, FL and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by two sisters, Ethel Wilson and Elsie Trammell.

A memorial visitation for Ben is scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2024, from 4pm to 6 pm at the Clark Funeral Home, Granby.