Donald Van, Sr.

Donald Lee Van, Sr. age 79 and longtime resident of Gulfport, MS. passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Gulfport.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Jr and Henrietta Moak Van; and his sister, Janice Simon.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 46 years, Chan Im Van; his children, Nam I Van (Charina), Randy Van, Donald Van Jr. (Jessika), Jerry Van, Wayne Van (Cheryl), and Tammy Van; his siblings, Debbie Boullianne (Ed) and Stanley Van (Becky); his precious grandchildren, McKayla Van, Selena Van Peterson, Tyler Van and Jet Van; and two great grandchildren, Liliana Leigh -Ann and Cora Leigh-Kaia, whom he adored.
Don was a native of New Orleans, LA and received his high school diploma and enrolled in some college classes before joining the United States Air Force and retired as Tech Sergeant. He then went to work with the Department of Defense Police with the Gulfport Seabee Base and Pascagoula Home Port. He had many achievements and was given many awards in his lifetime, including Performance of Duty Award 1 July 1990 - 30 June 1991; Air Force Commendation Medal, 11 June 1982- 22 November 1982; 1st Oak Leaf Cluster AF Commendation Medal 30 November 1982 - 31, November 1983.
He loved fishing, raising animals, archery and building things with his hands. He also enjoyed planting and growing many different types of flowers. He was Republican through and through and a Southern Baptist.
I love the Lord, The Lord loves me. This is true because, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. John 3:16
A visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. Interment with full military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
An online register may be viewed, signed and condolences, memories and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com