John Wayne Van Auken, age 65, of Franklin, Ohio passed away in Miamisburg, Ohio on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.
John was born May 6, 1947 in Pekin, Illinois. John was the oldest child born to the late Beuford Van Auken & Kathleen (Evans) Van Auken. John served in the U.S. Army Special Forces during Vietnam. He was a valued and respected mentor who came up through the ranks at Inland Steel Company and AK Steel, where he retired in June of 2009.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kathryn Van Auken; children, Lisa Van Auken (Troy) and Lori Van Auken of NW Indiana, Ryan (Paula) Van Auken and Hallerie (Steve) Kinsey of Ohio, Megan (Don) Raison and Chris Altena of Michigan; several loving grandsons and granddaughters; sisters, Linda (Roland) Hagmann, Carol Moschini (Lenny), Darla (Dan) O'Toole ; brother, James L. Smith; nieces; "honorary" children; co-workers; friends; and numerous beloved pets.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Jacobson.
The family will receive friends Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 5-8pm at Newcomer Funeral Home South Chapel (3940 Kettering Blvd, Kettering, OH 45439) The service will be held Monday, September 17, 2012 at 1:30 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family, care of Newcomer Funeral Home.