Claude E. "Junior" VanDusen Jr.

Claude E. VanDusen, Jr. Battle Creek Claude E. "Junior" VanDusen, 57, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2008 in Brewton, Alabama. He was born July 13, 1951 in Mishawaka, IN the son of Claude VanDusen and Betty Lorein (Luke) VanDusen. Claude worked in the maintenance department for the Graham Group Inc. for the Medical Office Building for ten years. Before that he had worked construction at the Battle Creek Health System with their new construction for 2 years. He and his wife had delivered motor homes across the country for 9 years. During the Vietnam Era Claude had served in the U.S. Navy for ten years and was discharged as a Petty Officer Second Class. Claude first married in 1974 to Irma Villaneuea which later ended in divorce. Later he met Janet Louise Moon in 1985; whom he married on September 21, 1996 in Battle Creek, MI. He is survived by his wife: Janet Louise VanDusen of Battle Creek; 2 sons, Claude E. "Edward" (Jennifer) VanDusen, III stationed with the Merchant Marines in Guam, and Randy E. VanDusen of San Diego, CA; a daughter: Catherine Lorein (John) Snyder of Bidwell, OH; two grandchildren: Ryan Snyder and Bryce Ann VanDusen; a sister: Diane McDonald of Mishawaka, IN; and a half sister: Bonnie Grissom of Tacoma, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: one in infancy and Kenneth Cauffman in 2006. Claude graduated from Penn High School of Mishawaka, Indiana in 1969. After the service he had lived in San Diego many years and moved to Battle Creek in 1985. He loved watching NASCAR races, playing the lottery, reading; he had built a flower garden in the backyard, wanted to start working on Bonsai trees, and spent many hours watching television. He was a good and very giving man, nobody had a bad word to say about him. Memorial services commemorating the life of Claude VanDusen will be held in the Bachman Funeral Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 with Pastor Randy Steward of Bethel Baptist Church officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery with military honors. Cremation has been conducted. Memorial tributes may be made to Humane Society - South Central Michigan. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145