Van E. Lilly

Orwell Twp. - Van E. Lilly, age 71 died at his home peacefully on April 17, 2023 with his wife, dear friends, and family by his side. He was the son of William Herbert Lilly and Genevieve "Margaret" Crawford born December 23, 1951 in Oakhill WV. Van worked for Midwest Materials for 27 years as a truck driver. He was an active part of a 12-step program and friend of "Dr. Bob and Bill Wilson".  He helped countless others on their new journeys in life and passed on the message of recovery.  Vans favorite message was "Keep coming back until the miracle happens", and "Never in a million years did I think my life could be so good". Van loved spending time with family and friends and learned to love the country life after growing up in Collinwood. Van is survived by his wife Tona Goluk Brainard of Orwell, step son Jeffery Alan Brainard of Arizona, eldest sister Linda Yazwinski of Madison, younger sister Margaret Ann (Roger) Lohr of Madison, niece Jennifer Yazwinski, nephews, Michael and David Yazwinski, Jacob and Jason Lohr. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Herbert Lilly and Genevieve "Margaret" Crawford.  

A Celebration of Life will take place at Windsor Methodist Church, 5161 St. Route 322, Windsor, Ohio 4409 on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. A visitation take place at the church starting at 2:00 p.m. It is requested that instead of sending flowers please make memorial contributions to Van’s wife Tona Brainard. Cremation service have been entrusted to Paine Funeral Home, Inc., Orwell, Ohio. Condolences may be made at painefuneralhome.com

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