Obituary of Cornelis VanLeeuwen

Savannah, New York Cornelis J. (Casey) van Leeuwen went to be with the Lord June 6, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Casey was born on October 31, 1935 to Julia and Johannes van Leeuwen in Leiden, Holland and immigrated to the United States in 1949. In 1953 Casey joined the United States Marine Corps, serving in Korea as a Corporal until 1956 as part of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Division and awarded the Good Conduct medal upon separation. On November 10, 1956 he married Sylvia Starr Gray and was proud to become naturalized Citizen in 1957. Casey was also a member of the United States Army Reserves from 1975 until 1984 serving as SFC Drill Instructor. In 1995 after over twenty years of service he retired as Director of Printing for Wayne County. Casey’s interests were vast. He belonged to the Arthur T. Meehan Post 1343 of the Savannah American Legion, spent many years volunteering at the Wayne County Correctional Facility as part of the Jail Ministry team, fished, canoed, enjoyed watching his grandchildren at their sporting events, was honored to be allowed to lead the Clyde Savannah football team in prayer before each game, choral concerts and simply sitting on his porch at the camp he so loved. He will be best remembered locally for his beautiful paintings that hang in many homes and businesses in the area for his and for his vast American Indian relic and artifact collection that he enjoyed digging for with his wife and grandson Christopher. Casey is survived by his daughter Julie; grandchildren Christopher and Kaycee; great grandson Caleb and brother Richard Donselaar. He is predeceased by his wife Sylvia; sisters Julia and Edith; Brother Abraham (Ray) Donselaar. In keeping with his wishes there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 10th, 2016 at 1pm at the Butler Savannah Cemetery on Rt. 89 in Savannah. Committal service will be officiated by Pastors Chris Ball and Derek Loperfido. The family invites everyone to join them at the Arthur T. Meehan 1343 Post on North Main St. in Savannah for a celebration of his life immediately following. Please consider making a donation in his name to any of your local legions and VFWs. Without these brave men and women we wouldn’t be free. Semper Fi.