Richard Lee Van Dusen

Ricard Lee Van Dusen, age 77, of Gulfport died Friday, December 11, 2015 after a brief battle with leukemia. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Levi and Anna Van Dusen; brothers, Paul, Ward, and Gerald Van Dusen; sisters, Mary and Mildred. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janet “Jan” Van Dusen; daughter, Tina Marie Lockhart who resides in Gulfport with husband, David; son Timothy Michael Van Dusen who resides in Yoe, PA with wife, Jill; grandchildren, Heather Short who resides in Kileen, TX with husband, James, Jessica Lockhart who resides in Gulfport, Cole Van Dusen who resides in Lower Burrell, PA; great grandchildren, Christopher, Aliyah-Marie, Calleigh, and John-David. He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a TSGT April of 1978 after 22 years of service. He worked in retail management at various locations and as a quality control inspector at Bay Tech Industries, retiring at age 72. Van was a loyal New Orleans Saints fan long before it was popular to be a fan. He was overwhelmed with joy that he got to see them win a Super Bowl in his lifetime. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507. The funeral service will be held Friday, December 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m.