February 25, 2023, 83, Goldsboro –

Theo (Ted) Gid Van Loon was born on February 4, 1940, in Eddyville, Iowa. He was the third of four children to his parents, Dave & Helen Van Loon. Growing up Ted was interested in cars, motors, mechanics, and how things worked. He also helped his parents with their service station and motel.

Ted joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960 and served our country for 20 years. He was a Tech Sergeant and worked as a Fuels Supervisor & Cryogenic Fluid PDN Specialist. During his service, he was stationed in Holland, Texas, Thailand, Montana, Kansas, Okinawa, and NC. Ted’s wife of 61 years, Constance (Connie), followed Ted to Holland and they were married there. They had two children, Victoria Lynn, and Kristina June, while stationed in Holland. When Ted was stationed in Thailand, Connie was living with her relatives in Iowa where she welcomed their third child Suzanne Kay. Suzi passed away from a rare genetic disorder at 12 years old.

Ted and Connie settled in Dudley, NC at the end of his military career. Ted then became a high school auto mechanics teacher. He loved teaching students about a topic that he was passionate and for which he had great skill.

For leisure, Ted enjoyed boating on the lake, RV camping, and tinkering in his shop fixing all kinds of things. Each summer, Ted and Connie would take a trip to Iowa in their RV to see their relatives and attend family reunions. After they were both retired, they greatly enjoyed traveling and camping all over the US, visiting family and friends.

They were always very involved in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s lives, attending birthdays, sporting events, proms, graduations, and so much more.

Ted knew how to fix almost anything or would at least try and loved to talk about it with anyone who would listen. Later in life, he watched The History Channel and public television programs and always had a thirst for learning something new.

Ted was a grandfather to 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren who he loved very much.

A service to celebrate Ted’s life will be held Friday at 1:30 pm at the Dudley Christian Church with Rev. Blane Smith officiating. Family members will greet friends Friday from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm at the church fellowship hall. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park with military honors.

FAMILY:

Preceded in death by parents: Dave & Helen Van Loon, sisters and brother-in-laws Esther (Wayne) Johnson, Dorothy (Fred) Celsy, and daughter Suzanne Kay

In addition to his wife, Connie, he is survived by:

Ted’s siblings: Joy (Don) van Amerongen (Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

Ted’s children and sons-in-law: Victoria Lynn Grantham (Gentry) (Moncure, NC), Kristina June Nixon (Kermit) (Edenton, NC)

Ted’s grandchildren (spouses): Brittney Pettis (Brian) (Apex, NC), Kasey Harward (Josh) (Garner, NC), Jessica Grantham (Apex, NC), Kanon Nixon (Elizabeth City, NC)

Ted’s great-grandchildren: Briley Pettis, Austin Harward, Brison Pettis, Landon Harward, Sydney Harward

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to
Dudley Christian Church
212 O’Berry Road
Dudley, NC 28333

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Van Loon family, and online condolences can be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com