Charles Harold VanDuker

Charles "Van" H. VanDuker, 76, passed away suddenly August 18, 2024, at Baptist Springhill Hospital in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on May 25, 1948, in Oklahoma City to the late Raymond and Norah (Haney) VanDuker. He graduated from Crooked Oak High School in Oklahoma City, OK in 1966. He received an Associate degree in accounting from Oklahoma City Community College.

Van was drafted into the Army in February 1968, serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from July 1968 through July 1969 earning numerous medals and commendations including the Purple Heart. After Vietnam, he served as a drill sergeant at Ft. Gordon, GA and was honorably discharged in February 1971. Van then went to work for Westinghouse at their new a/c facility in Norman, OK and also their facility in Wichita, KS as shipping manager. He retired in 2016. A longtime Norman resident, he and Christine had just moved to Cabot, AR.

In addition to his parents, Van was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Fabian of Choctaw, OK. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 43 years, Christine VanDuker of Cabot, AR; daughter, Angela (Bobby) Moran of The Villages, FL; son, Brandon (Lori) Jay of Austin, AR; grandson, Josh Moran and partner Clay Upthegrove of Orlando, FL; grandsons, Braden, Brock, and Brett Jay of Austin, AR; brother, Michael (Suzanne) VanDuker of Buckeye, AZ; brother-in-laws, Pete (Sherry) Vaughan of Hulbert, OK and Eric (Cindy) Vaughan of Dallas, OR; sister-in-law, Mary (Howard) Cox of Winmalee, NSW Australia; as well as many other beloved numerous nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

Van was a lifelong OU Sooner sports fan with a passion for golf, reading, Toastmasters, sudoku, crossword puzzles, and bacon. He proudly held the title of charter member of the Clean Plate Club.

A devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, son-in-law, and father-in-law, Van was also a veteran, a good listener, and a loyal friend. Known for his appreciation of a good joke, he always had one ready for any occasion.

Van will be missed beyond words by so many for so long.

Memorial services are pending.