Obituary of Carlton Eugene VanOrman

Carlton E. “Jack” VanOrman, 88, of Niles, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at his home, with his amazing family by his side.  

He was born on August 26, 1934, to the late Eugene and Mildred (Evans) VanOrman, in Benton Harbor Michigan. Jack was a student at Dowagiac Central High, the rumor is, he quit school during his junior year, and proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. Jack was able to earn his GED while enlisted.

After returning home he married the former Karol Baldwin at a ceremony in South Bend. Together they made their home in Niles, where they raised three children, faithfully attending the Pokagon Bible Church with them. Jack spent his career driving semi for a couple of different trucking companies.

Jack enjoyed taking the family camping, teaching them how to fish, and hunt. He was an avid World War II enthusiast, spending many hours reading every book he could find on the events that happened before, during, and after.  His family will treasure the many car, airplane, and antique vehicle scale models that he built.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Darlene Gilpin.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Karol of Niles; children, Christopher (Laurie) VanOrman of Hillsdale; Scott (Jill) VanOrman of Paw Paw; Susanne (Jeff) Hunsberger of Edwardsburg; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Billie Jean Lenz, Jerry VanOrman, Duane VanOrman, and Judy Neucks.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 22 at Mission Hills Chapel, 61453 M-51 Niles, with Chaplain Augustine Tchamba officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A private family committal will be held after the service.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the senior play date fund at the Pokagon Bible Church.

Jack will be fondly remembered by his friends and family as the slipper/house shoe pusher.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.