Mr. Van Massengale

Van Emerson Massengale passed away October 3, 2015. Van was born March 29, 1927, in San Antonio, Texas, to Louis and Fannie Massengale, the youngest of five children. The family relocated to Beeville, Texas, in 1936, and there he graduated from A.C. Jones High School. Immediately after high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. After the war, Van attended Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M – Kingsville). He graduated with a degree in business. Van met and was wise enough to marry Mary Elizabeth Bridges in 1957. Van worked for Exxon Pipeline Company for 36 years as a Right-of-Way Agent, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Andrews, Texas. In 1995, Van and Mary moved to Henderson, Texas. Van leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Mary Bridges Massengale. He also leaves behind three children – Scott (and Tammy) Massengale, Thad (and Becky) Massengale, and Sugar Anne (and Rob) Miesen, as well as seven grandchildren – Joanie (and Eric) Barnett, Keri (and Justin) Richardson, Blane (and Loree) Jolley, Janey (and Charlie) Holland, Wade Massengale, Catherine Miesen and Jack Miesen. And, there are also five great grandchildren – Audrey, Emily and Anna Barnett, and Gracie and Zach Richardson. Van was a true original, putting himself through college with the assistance of the GI Bill and being the first in his family to earn a degree. He was sharp as a tack and could tell a great story. He and Mary loved to travel and saw much of the world during their life. He was so proud of the life and family he and Mary built. He was much loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015 at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson with Rev. David Luckert officiating, with a graveside service immediately following. Interment will follow at Bridges Cemetery under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home of Henderson. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Wade Massengale, Jack Miesen, Eric Barnett, Justin Richardson, Blane Jolley, and Charlie Holland. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Bridges Cemetery Fund, 1307 Westwood, Henderson, Tx 75654, or the American Diabetes Foundation P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312. Condolence may be made online at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Van Massengale

March 29, 1927 - October 3, 2015