Eugene Van Fleet Jr.

Eugene Van Fleet Jr, pillar of the family and our hero of the "Greatest Generation," died on March 21, 2020 at the age of 94 at Applewood Place Assisted Living in Lakewood Colorado.

A Colorado native, Eugene was born in Denver on January 18, 1926 to Eugene Sr and Rebecca (Blunt). His parents owned a tailor/hat-making/dry cleaning shop in downtown Denver, where he learned the tricks of the trade.

Eugene attended East High School. When the attack of Pearl Harbor occurred, Eugene, then 15, was too young to defend his country. He waited till the age of 17, in his senior year, to join the US Merchant Marines, with his parents' permission. He later enrolled in the US Naval Construction Force, the Seabees, where he was based in the Philippines, as the company tailor.

In 1946, Eugene received an honorable discharge from the US Navy. He then went on to obtain his GED, and briefly attended Denver University, studying chemistry. He worked at the Colorado Department of Transportation, collecting and studying soil samples for road construction, and as a ski patrolman at Winter Park.

Eugene always had a great interest in transportation vehicles. From a young age, he started out rebuilding cars and motorcycles, and later became a member of the Denver Railroad Association and the Golden Railroad Museum. He was also an HO train enthusiast, acquiring many models and building a layout in the basement of his home.

On May 20, 1950, Eugene married the love of his life, his soulmate and world travel partner, Doris Hanson. They were inseparable.

Eugene's passion for transportation was not complete until he entered the airline industry. He joined United Airlines in 1951 as a dispatcher and later as a flight training schedule coordinator. After 37 wonderful years, Eugene retired from United. From then on, he and Doris increased their love of travel and continued life's adventures, exploring 75 countries, and making many friends along the way.

Both were devout Lutherans and founding members of St Mark Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, which later joined with St Timothy Lutheran to become Glory of God Lutheran Church. Eugene was an active church and council member. He adored his church family and attended service regularly, keeping his faith to the end.

Eugene and Doris built their forever home in Lakewood and lived there for over 52 years. They were married for 67 fantastic years until 2017, when Doris was called to heaven.

Eugene was always very logical, methodical and passionate, an excellent handyman to have around, and had incredible common sense. He had a nice baritone voice and loved to sing hymns and songs of old. He will be remembered as a quick witted, humorous and very sociable person.

Eugene was known by many names: Dad, Gene, Bud, Van, Grandpa, and Mata. Most warmly, he was known as Clem Kadiddlehopper, which he often jokingly, yet in a serious tone, would introduce himself as. And no matter the time of year, he would end his conversation with a joyful "Merry Christmas." Eugene left his mark in life wherever he went. He is truly loved and will be forever missed!!

Eugene is survived by his brother Henry, his 2 daughters Candace (Gary Spaid) and Marci (Christophe Girin), many nieces and nephews, as well as 4 grandchildren Michael Spaid, Karen Campbell (Craig), Alexia and André Girin.

In addition to Doris and his parents, he is preceded in death by his older sister Gloria Kahle and his youngest brother Roland.

Eugene will be cremated following a small private family viewing.

For any who might wish to make a donation in Eugene's honor, the family suggests giving to Glory of God Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

A Memorial Service will be held on be on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:00 at Glory of God Lutheran Church, 12200 West 38th avenue in Wheat Ridge. If you are unable to attend in person, please join Gene's service with this zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2509439880?pwd=NkNwMU9vd2VzajVScm1lRVZMYXlvQT09  

Password: 494411 

Please share memories of Eugene and condolences with his family by signing the online guestbook below.