IN MEMORIAM
It is with a deep sense of loss to the Grand Chapter of New Mexico, Order of the Eastern Star, that we announce the passing of our Past Grand Patron
Richard Van Vleet
Worthy Grand Patron 1960-1961
August 7, 1917 - May 11, 2008
Brother Richard was born and raised on a wheat farm near Hutchinson, Kansas. He attended a small one room country school and graduated from the Langdon High School in 1936. He then worked in the oil fields for one year before entering McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas.
Our Brother was a charter member of the Methodist Church in Los Alamos. A charter member of Pajarito Lodge No.66 in Los Alamos, he served as Worshipful Master in 1950 and two terms as secretary after that. He was initiated into Los Alamos Chapter No.63, Order of the Eastern Star, on December 2, 1948 and served as Worthy Patron in 1952. In 1952 he received his first Grand Appointment and served on various committees or as Assistant Grand Sentinel until his election as Grand Sentinel in 1958. In 1960 he was elected Worthy Grand Patron and served New Mexico Grand Chapter with Pearl Crossett in the
“Round The World Session” in 1961.
He is survived by his current wife, Barbara of the home; one son Loy of Edwards, Colorado; one daughter Alice Blair, of Las Vegas, Nevada; two grandsons; two granddaughters; seven great-grandchildren and many sorrowing friends.
Donations may be made to the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Department, 101 Turquoise, Tyrone, NM 88065 or the Grand Chapter of New Mexico Benevolent Fund.

“For we must share if we would keep
That blessing from above;
Ceasing to give we cease to have,
Such is the law of love.”
Georgia Kitt McKown              Bill Fuller
Acting Worthy Grand Matron             Worthy Grand Patron
Barbara B. Eichmuller
Grand Secretary