Van Allen Secrest

Once again, Heaven received an angel. Van Allen Secrest passed away Monday (December 30, 2013) after a seven-year battle with cancer. He was born November 23, 1944 in Byesville, son of the late Clifford Secrest and Lucille (Bradbury) Secrest. Mr. Secrest was employed at Conrail Railroad for several years and was a retiree of the Cambridge Developmental Center. He was an avid sports fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cambridge Bobcats. Mr. Secrest was a US Army veteran, having served from 1965 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his companion of many years, Sandra Yontz Wilson; and a sister, Sandra Strater of Mentor. His extended family includes Marsha Wilson Bumgardner (& J.R.) and Candice Lo Visa Bumgardner, whom he truly enjoyed following her accomplishments in sports, etc. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Hospice of Guernsey for their kindness and compassion, and also to the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where funeral services will follow at 8 p.m. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, at a later date, with military graveside services conducted by the Guernsey County Veterans Council. As an expression of sympathy, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Van's name to Hospice of Guernsey Inc., PO Box 1165, Cambridge OH 43725.