Ralph Vincent Edward Van Kerkhove

Ralph Vincent Edward Van Kerkhove, Age 99, of Dallas, Texas passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 20, 1924, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Raymond and Madeline Van Kerkhove and raised in Chicago.

After graduating from Hirsch High School, Van was compelled to join the Army Air Corps (United States Air Force) following the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. After pilot training, Van was assigned to the 511th Fighter Squadron, part of the 405th Fighter Group in Europe during World War II where he flew numerous successful missions supporting the war effort.

After the war in 1945, Van was assigned to various posts with the US Air Force in Arizona and Alaska then served a tour in the Korean War. Van served his country in active duty for 12 years followed by 8 years in the military reserves retiring as a Major.

Van met Elaine, his wife of 55 years while flying for American Airlines based in Chicago. In 1969, Van and Elaine moved to Bolivar, Texas where they started a family and developed the Bar VK Air Ranch Estates.

During his flying career, Van flew many different aircraft including the P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, DC-10, and Boeing 747s. In 1984, Captain Van retired at the age of 60 after 30 years with American Airlines. Van retained his pilot's license until the age of 80 as flying was truly his passion and hobby. He enjoyed social organizations such as the Grey Eagles and Quiet Birdmen.

Van was a self-taught leather artisan and started his own business in his 80s. He could build and fix most anything and always kept busy with home repairs at his home and his daughters.

Van is survived by his wife Elaine, daughters Delphine Van Kerkhove (Mehmet Cihan) and Alexis Van Kerkhove (Dale Carlton), sibling Donna (Dave) Zellner, grand-daughter Angela Webber, great grand-daughter Jessica Webber, and daughter-in-law Grace Van Kerkhove. Van was preceded in death by his son, Greg Van Kerkhove, his parents Raymond and Madeline Van Kerkhove, and sisters Marie Carroll, Shirley Beyer, and Virginia Van Kerkhove.

A Memorial Service for Van will take place on April 26, 2024, at 12:30 pm at St. Rita's Church in Dallas, Texas. Van will be laid to rest at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors in Celebration of his 100th Birthday. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his memory may be made by check to "The Grey Eagles Foundation", C/O Steven Fryer, 4300 Briar Ridge Dr., Colleyville, TX, 76034 or to the charity of your choice.