Van M. Buster, age 91, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at 7:05 pm on Saturday February 24, 2024 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois. Van was born on March 1, 1932 in Litchfield, Kentucky and is the son of Tomie and Verna VanMeter Buster. The family moved to Chicago when Van was five and came to Monmouth in 1942. Van attended local schools and Monmouth High School and later received his General Education Degree. Van served his country and retired as an E-7 in the United States Army. He worked his entire career on the line at Case/International Harvester and retired from there in 1990. Van was previously married to Connie Wildman and later married Joyce M. Garner on January 5, 1963 in Galesburg, Illinois and she is surviving. He and she loved to go camping at Big River State Park near Keithsburg. Van loved to garden and loved his squirrels and his chickens. He also went to Washington DC on the local honor flight. Most of all he loved his family and all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Van is survived by his wife, Joyce of Monmouth, IL and five daughters, Tammy D. Vanskike and J.R. of Monmouth, Debra Jackson of Oquawka, IL, Cindy Vanskike and Billy of Monmouth, IL. Anna Ray and Mike of Lawton, OK, and Tracy Jones and Tracy of Little York, IL. There are two son surviving, Jonny Buster and Corrine of Venice Beach, FL and James M. Buster of Keithsburg, IL. There are seventeen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. One brother also survives Donald Buster of North Ft.Meyers Beach, FL. A number of nieces, nephews, and cousins also are surviving. Preceding Van in his death is his parents, two sisters, two brothers, and his granddaughter, and two son in laws.
A graveside funeral service and military honors are planned by his family on Monday March 4, 2024 at 11:00 am at Warren County Memorial Park. As were his wishes, no visitation or family hours are being planned. Memorial funds have been established for either the Honor Flight or the Freedom Ride Rescue. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit turnbullfuneralhomes.com
