George A. Van Slyke, Jr. January 25, 1927 - July 14, 2009 Hammond, Indiana George A. Van Slyke, Jr., age 82, of Hammond, IN passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at Community Hospital, Munster, IN. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary K. Van Slyke (nee Beatty); son, George A. (Susan) Van Slyke, III of Inverness, IL.; Daughters, Suzanne Van Slyke of Schererville, IN and Deborah (Wayne) Sebenste of Hammond, IN.; 5 grandchildren, Patrick Van Slyke of Chanhassen, MN; Sean (fiancé, Noelle Pogany) Van Slyke of New York, NY; Alysia Sebenste of Hammond, IN; Erin Van Slyke of Inverness, IL; and Derek (Erin) Sebenste of Noblesville, IN ; 1 great grandson, Nolan Ryan Sebenste; Sisters, Geane Anderson of Lake Dale, IN; Nancy Mraz of Dewey, AZ; Brother, Charles (Rose) Van Slyke of Alexandria, VA and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, George A. Van Slyke, Sr. and Berniece Van Slyke; sister, JoAnn Arndt (nee Van Slyke), brothers-in-law, William Arndt, James Anderson and Tony Mraz. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 11 AM from LaHayne Funeral Home, 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, IN with Rev. Steve Kosinski officiating. Cremation to follow. Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 2-6:30 PM at LaHayne Funeral Home with a combined memorial service by American Legion Post #168 and Voiture 470 at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated. George was born in Hammond, IN and lived in this area all of his life. He graduated from Thornton Fractional High School, Calumet City, IL and worked for the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad for over 40 years as a carman. He served his country in the US Navy in WW 2 from 1944 to 1947 as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class. He served on the USS Minneapolis in the Asiatic Pacific Third Fleet in 1945 and the USS Huntington in the Mediterranean Fleet from 1946-1947. George also served during the Korean War in San Francisco at Hunters Point Navy Shipyards from 1950 to 1952. George was a member of the American Legion Post #168 of Hammond, IN where he was Commander for two years. He also was a member of Voiture 470 of the 40/8 where he was Chef de Gare. He also held several offices in the First District, American Legion. For information, please contact LaHayne Funeral Home, (219) 845-3600 or at www.lahaynefuneralhome.com