Paul (or Junior as many knew him) was born on September 16, 1939, to Paul and Annetta Van Hoorn, Sr. Paul married his high school sweetheart Linda Sullivan on October 16, 1960. She survives.
Paul was known for his quiet manner and dry sense of humor. Growing up in a farm family, he spent his happiest days caring for animals and taking care of the farm. Paul and Linda spent many blessed years together raising their family and watching it grow. Paul loved raising and showing cattle when he was younger and then sheep when the daughters were old enough to start showing. Many happy memories are around the time spent on the farm and fair circuit.
Paul was also an accomplished athlete in his younger years, especially baseball, and a diehard fan of the Fighting Illini, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. One of his favorite moments was watching the Cubs finally win a world series championship.
Surviving are his wife, Linda, and daughters Kelly (Tim) Lamkin and Cheryl (Mike Simpson) Van Hoorn; grandchildren: Tim (Erin) Lamkin, Jr., Andy (Bernice) Lamkin, Alex (Melissa) Lamkin, Brittney (Will) Pries, Tyler Cook, Brandon (Alyssa) Root, Desiree (Tyler) Pitsch; and great-grandchildren: Addie, Braden, Brynn, Ella, Sophie, Camryn, Christian, Jacob, Jack, Cecilia, Sean, ShaeLynn, Ryatt, and Wes. His oldest brother George Van Hoorn also survives.
A grandson, Cameron Cook, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two sisters: Margaret (and her husband Leon) Renfrow and Doris (and her husband Stanley) Evans and brother Marvin (and his wife Robin) Van Hoorn, as well as his sister-in-law Audra Van Hoorn (wife of George).
Memorials may be made to Ruby’s Rescue and Retreat in McLean, IL.
A Memorial Service for Paul will be held at a later date. Cremation Rites have been accorded.
Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta is assisting the family with arrangements.
2 Responses
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of this good and gentle man. He always had a smile and a kind word. My deepest sympathies to the family, Linda, the girls, and all of the kids. You were lucky to have him and I know you loved him as much as he loved all of you.
My mother and father always had a great time with Linda and Junior at the fair and visiting the farm. I’m quite certain that my folks greeted him with a smile and a hug when he arrived in heaven.
It is said that a man never dies whose name is still spoken, so speak his name, loud and often.
I will pray for all of you at this difficult time and thank God that I was able to know him.
God bless and keep you all.
Jr is a member of the McLean-Waynesville High School class of 1957. A good classmate and friend of those of us remaining. We will miss him. Our sympathy to the family.