William "Jay" Van Velzen

Jay Van Velzen, 73, of Baldwin City, KS passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Olathe Hospice House, Olathe, KS.  He was born September 4, 1948 in Independence, MO the son of William Jay Van Velzen and Mary Evelyn (Stanton) Van Velzen.  Jay grew up in Independence, MO graduating from Van Horn High School in Independence with the class of 1966.

Jay quickly and proudly joined the United States Marine Corp upon graduation from high school.  He served his country from 1966 to 1970 attaining the rank of Lance Corporal.  He received the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign with Device Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Commendation ribbon, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the United States Marine Corp Rifle Expert Badge.

After his time in the service, he worked at the Diamond Bowl, the bowling alley owned by his father in Independence, MO. Jay then moved to Arizona in 1978 and worked at a foundry.  In 1983 he moved to Baldwin City, KS and became a production Manager for Direct Designs. 

Jay loved to cook and he was an avid motorcycle rider.  He never missed a chance for a road trip, taking many all over the country.  He was a connoisseur of music of all genres. He planned his motorcycle trips around the Audio Reader record sale, where he often purchased several records he already owned. 

He is survived by his dear partner of thirty-six years, Elizabeth Lynne Pell, Baldwin City, KS; a daughter, Jennifer Jo Van Velzen, Independence, MO; step son Hunter Pell and his wife, Teri, Irving, TX as well as their children Eric, Alex, Logan; a daughter in law Marcie Pell and her son Nathan.

He is preceded in death by Step-son Philip Pell.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Baldwin City, Saturday July 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  Jay’s family will greet friends from 1:00p.m. to the service hour at the funeral home on Saturday. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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