Howard "Howie" Van Dyke, 71, of Chesterfield County, Va., formerly of Aberdeen, received complete healing as he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Wednesday, April 22, 2009.

Howie was born and raised in Waldwick, N.J. and was the youngest of eight children born to Theresa and Henry Van Dyke. A U.S. Army veteran, he was employed in New Jersey by Grand Union and Garden State Farms, and in Moore County as a salesman for Frito-Lay before retiring in 1994 due to his health. He served in various capacities at Page Memorial United Methodist Church as well as New Life Methodist Church in Midlothian, Va.

Howie's church membership was with the Celebration Center, 879 Research Rd, Richmond, Va., where there will be a celebration of life service at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, with the Rev. Danny Meads and the Rev. David Bonney officiating. Interment will be private in Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, Va.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Beverly Ackerson Van Dyke; daughter, Lori Liberty and husband, Daniel Liberty, and a grandson, Justin Liberty, his sidekick, of Midlothian, Va.; brothers, Stanley, of Passaic, N.J, and Edward, of New Port Richey, Fla.; sisters, Catherine Beasley of St. John's, New Brunswick, Canada, and Stella Dubbeld, of Haledon, N.J.; 11 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice of Virginia, the Celebration Center or a charity of your choice.

Bennett Funeral Home, Chesterfield, Va., is handling arrangements.