Louie Van FossenAge: 91 • Staunton, VACalvin Lewis (Louie) Van Fossen, 91, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, in his home at 188 Vista Lane. Louie was born on August 14, 1926 to Raymond Miller Van Fossen and Archie Blair Smith Van Fossen.  On March 10, 1945, he married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Katherine Wimer Van Fossen. At the time of her death they had been married for 71 years and 9 months. Louie grew up in Central Methodist Church, transferring to Second Presbyterian Church after his marriage.  He served the church in numerous ways, including deacon and elder.  He was also a valued member for the church choir, often singing solos and as part of several quartets. Louie attended Staunton Public Schools, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School.  After serving in the Army during World War II, he was discharged from the Coast Artillery Unit, Harbor Defense of Chesapeake Bay, Fort Story, Virginia on August 6, 1946.  He returned home, graduated from Dunsmore Business School and joined his father at Braden and Van Fossen, the family business which had its start in 1925. Louie was extremely innovative, constantly adapting what became his business to capture the essence of an ever changing society.  His unique sense of humor and ability to communicate with anyone gave him a special endearment to all people and a friend to many. Braden and Van Fossen became well known in Staunton and surrounding areas.  Louie was an iron work expert and much of the iron railings and other iron work seen in our area was designed and erected under his direction.  You might even find a manhole cover from their old foundry displaying the name Braden and Van Fossen still in use.  He is continuing the success of Braden and Van Fossen by passing it on to his descendants.Louie loved sports events, world events, collecting antiques, music and travel.  He cherished his family and all he accomplished was to give them a better life.  His greatest joy was taking care of and giving to others. In his last year, every time he saw one of his small great grandchildren, he said, "I hope you have a good life".  That was and is his wish for everyone. Louie is survived by his daughter, Donna Katherine Van Fossen Danner; three grandchildren, Jennifer Lynnette Danner Klein, Angela Renee Danner Smith (Taylor), and Joseph Aaron Danner (Josie); nine great grandchildren, Harrison and Ethan Klein, Adele Swanson, Braxton, Carter and Katherine Smith, Ryland, Lexy and Avery Danner; sisters-in-law, Virginia and Catherine Van Fossen, and Rebecca Sherwood (Stewart); and nieces and nephews, Jerry Van Fossen (Beth), Vicki Keyser (Connie Forsythe), Eric Van Fossen (Amy), Lisa Hunt (Dan), Bonnie Ralston (Carson), Theodore Owen (Rose), and Reid Braxton Wimer III (Shirley Beale).In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Francis Sibley, Roy, Bill and Charles Van Fossen.A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2017 at Second Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Evan Smith.  Burial will be private in Thornrose Cemetery. The Family is receiving friends at Louie's home at 188 Vista Lane at 12:00 Noon on Monday (September 11, 2017, following the service) for a light luncheon and fellowship.  Friends may call anytime Sunday at Henry Funeral Home.Donations may be made to the Central and Western Virginia Chapter, 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or Second Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 175, Staunton, VA 24402. Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.