Carlos Marshall VanVleet

1931 - 2021

Carlos Marshall Van Vleet

July 17, 1931 - March 27, 2021

Carlos went home peacefully to the Lord on March 27, 2021 at the Timberview Care Center in Albany. He will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all. Carlos was born in Clovis, California, the only son of Kathrine and Eugene Schmidt. An accident took Eugene when Carlos was only three years old. Kathrine married Robert Van Vleet when Carlos was nine and the family settled in Ashland. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1950, attended Southern Oregon College, and served in the U.S. Navy. Carlos married Elaine Falwell on June 10, 1956, in Ashland. Shortly after marriage Carlos and Elaine moved to Eugene where Carlos completed his education at the University of Oregon.

Carlos and Elaine then moved to Corvallis where they raised their family. Carlos was a hard-working father and taught his children a strong work ethic. He started his business career in the wholesale meat business with D.E. Nebergall in Albany, which was later acquired by Swift & Company. After the Swift & Company takeover Carlos obtained his insurance license and worked for Gene Hanson Life Insurance of Corvallis. Carlos returned to the wholesale meat business with B&C Meat Distributors of Albany and eventually started the Van Vleet Meat Company in Albany. He enjoyed working on his cars, especially his 1930 Ford Model A and 1965 Thunderbird, and exhibiting his cars at regional shows. Carlos also enjoyed rodeos, vacationing in Kauai, and collecting coins. He was a regular at Timberhill Athletic Club and an avid OSU Beaver sports fan. They both attended yearly reunions at Ashland High School and always enjoyed spending time with their high school friends.

Carlos is survived by daughter Marla Van Vleet Welsh, sons Bill, Chuck, John, & Bob. Carlos also leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Brian Welsh, Katie Fitzgearld, Korey Van Vleet, Jamie Van Vleet, Greg Welsh, Doug Welsh, Leah Van Vleet, Alex Van Vleet, Carter Van Vleet, Nick Van Vleet, Jillian Van Vleet, & Jordan Van Vleet; and seven great-grandchildren: Marcelo Welsh, Keira Welsh, Ruthie Welsh, Asher Welsh, Zachariah Fitzgearld, and twins Robin & Finley Welsh.

Service will be held at McHenry Funeral Home on Saturday April 3rd. Social distancing protocol limits the number of people attending the service, thus we encourage folks to attend an open viewing from 10 - 11am at McHenry. Casual dress attire. A ceremony following the service at McHenry will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Corvallis.

Memorial Contributions in honor of Carlos can be made to the Elaine Van Vleet Athletic Scholarship Endowment. Contributions should be made out to the OSU Foundation at 4238 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333

Please visit www.mchenryfuneralhome.com to leave condolence messages for the family.