Irvin “Junior” Van Hoose, 89, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday (July 13, 2012) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The son of Irvin and Ida May (Casey) Van Hoose Sr., he was born January 9, 1923 in Novinger, Missouri. On August 29, 1942 in Kirksville, Missouri, Irvin was united in marriage to Lela Kelso who preceded him in death on April 4, 2001.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Darrell in infancy and Allen Van Hoose; one grandson, Jeffery Pettit; two brothers, Joe and Ernest Van Hoose; five sisters, Louise, Mary, Daisy, Elva and Betty; daughter-in-law, Anne Van Hoose and son-in-law, Robert Pettit.

Junior is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Paul and Debbie Van Hoose of Kirksville, MO, Bruce Van Hoose of SanAntonio, TX and Dale and Brenda Van Hoose of Las Vegas, NV; one daughter, Ervinetta Pettit of Kirksville, MO; thirteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Junior was raised in Novinger and received his education in the Novinger public schools. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps from April 1940 to March of 1941. Junior served in the United States Army form 1943 to 1945. After being honorably discharged he moved to Kirksville, where he was employed twenty-nine years for Florsheim Shoe Factory. At that time he moved to Newton, Iowa and operated a shoe repair shop five years before going to work for Keoring Plant where he was employed nine years. Junior then moved to Marion, Ohio where he was employed ten years for Marion Powershovel. In 1985, Junior returned to Kirksville, to make his home.

His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening, and he was an active member of the Salvation Army. Junior also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. While residing in Iowa, Junior was a member of V.F.W.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (July 18, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Scott Grogg presiding. Music selections “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace” will be provided by Melvin Bissey who will be accompanied by Dianthe Cable, organist. Interment will follow the service at Highland Park Cemetery in Kirksville.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, one hour before service time in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bob Rouse, Jeff Mock, Richard Kelso, Tyrone Kelso, Melvin McKim and Matt McKim.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Junior Van Hoose may be made