Douglas (Doug) Lee Van Aken, of Bella Vista, AR, passed away on August 28, 2025. He was born on January 12, 1938, in Jackson, Michigan. He was the son of Henry and Lula Mae (Froment) Van Aken.

After growing up in Jackson, he graduated from Western Michigan University. He married Martha (Marty) Carpenter on August 15, 1964, and recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. To this union, two daughters were born.

Doug accepted Jesus as his Lord at an early age and was involved in church and sharing the gospel throughout his life. He just had a phone call from someone in Michigan that told him how impactful his testimony was to their life.

Doug's career covered time in electronics, education administration, ranching, and owning small businesses. His team was part of the support for the Apollo 11 moon launch. In the 1970's Doug and family relocated to Tulsa, where they lived on a small ranch and he had many business opportunities.

Doug loved their weekend home on Grand Lake near Grove, OK and he remodeled the house over the years. After full retirement, Doug and Marty relocated to Grove full time and enjoyed a spectacular view of the lake and entertaining grandkids. In 2018, Doug and Marty moved off the lake for health reasons, and settled in Bella Vista, AR to be near family.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Kris Van Aken Austin, DVM.

He is survived by wife, Marty; daughter, Tammy Mentzer (Richard) of Yates Center, KS; son-in-law, Kelly Austin of Bella Vista, AR; sister, Rosean Harrington of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Taylor Austin (Abby) of Prairie Grove, AR, Kate Austin of Bella Vista, AR, Stephanie Bowen (Gary) of Yates Center, KS, Rachel Samuelson (Stephen) of Dodge City, KS, Richie Mentzer of Chicago, IL, and Ryan Mentzer of Grand Junction, CO; great-grandchildren Jackson, Jamie, Samantha, and expected baby, Samuelson.

The family will hold a memorial service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Gravette, AR on Friday September 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Memorial Donations may be made or Mew Cat Rescue, PO Box 2311, Bentonville, AR 72712 or Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church, 1095 New Garden Ave., Salem, OH 44460.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.