Obituary of Charles Van Deven

Charles J Van Deven Sr (Charlie), 89, of St Petersburg, passed away on November 5, 2023.  Born August 12, 1934, in Royal Oak Michigan, he was the first of his family, originally named Van de Van, to be born in the USA.

Preceded by Andrew Van Deven Sr – father; Emmy R Van Deven – mother; Andrew Van Deven Jr – Brother; Margaret Bennett Van Deven – wife; Fred Van Deven (Tammy) – Son; Billy Van Deven – grandson.

Survived by Son Charles J Van Deven Jr (Cha Cha); Daughters Joi Blackburn (Charlie); June Kloosterman; Grandchildren Kyle Van Deven (Amber); Mindy Van Deven; Tony Kloosterman; Cherilyn Valdez (Caesar); Angel; Christine; Tina Marie Burkhart (John); Charles Blackburn; and nine great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Scarlett, Sydny, Stephanie, Bailey, Izzabella, Neal, Anyla, Elliott, and Hayden.

Charlie was a skilled and artistic carpenter and a licensed general contractor in the St Petersburg and Tampa area, beginning his career with Apple Homes in the early 1960’s and retiring from Schaefer Homes in the early 2000’s. He attended Nutley High School in New Jersey, where he played baseball and remained an avid baseball fan for his life. He attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina and Southern Florida College in Lakeland. He served in the US Army, stationed in Germany during the late 1950’s. In his younger years, he participated in various sports, including bowling, he was a member of the 300 club, boating and water skiing, and racing his Harley Davidson motorcycle in the early days of the Daytona Beach area. In addition to his Harleys, he was active in the Classic Thunderbird International club. He entered competitions and often won – including a first place finish for his 1957 T-bird. His love of all things racing was evident in many NASCAR camping trips with family and friends where he kept everyone entertained around the late night campfires. After retirement, he kept busy with daily visits to the Y and he enjoyed traveling, especially to Costa Rica, the Blue Ridge area of North Carolina, and visiting the National Parks in America’s South and North West area. His curiosity for life and the world, and his mischievous, offbeat sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.