Jul 19, 1930 ~ Jun 20, 2013
Loren Lloyd Valentin, 82 years young, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 20, 2013. He passed at his home near Blanchard. Loren was born in Wichita, Kansas on July 19, 1930 to Louis Henry and Helen Marie (Underwood) Valentin. He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1948. After graduation, Loren joined the Army and became one of the first Army Air Corps pilots. He enjoyed flying for many years afterward.
Loren's life's work was as a heavy and highway construction estimator. He designed and helped build countless bridges, highways, interstates, dams, lakes, and railroads throughout the nation, and even worked on the Alaskan Pipeline.
Loren had three sons and three daughters from previous marriages. He married BJ (Jane) Benner from Panora, Iowa in 1980. Together they owned and operated the Caring Hearts Pet Rescue and Rehabilitation Farm in the 1980's and 1990's. In 2002, he joined the WalMart family as a photo tech and later moved on to Sam's Club. There he worked as both a Photo Center and Demos Associate, and finally as a People Greeter in the Norman, Oklahoma club, along with his wife.
Beyond his love for his family and career, Loren was passionate about the care and rehabilitation of the hundreds of dogs and 13 horses and ponies that he and BJ rescued. Loren was a lifelong member of the Scottish Rite and a 32nd degree Mason in the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of both the state and national Toy Train Operating Societies and enjoyed photography. During his children's youth, Loren was a longstanding Dad in both the International Rainbow Girls and the DeMolay International for Boys organizations.
Loren was preceded in death by both his parents.
He is survived by his wife, BJ; sons, David, Danny and Don; daughters, Debra, Diana and Dana; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; as well as beloved pets, Maxx, Sadie, Grey-Dee and BitZee.
He was loved by his family and friends and will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.
Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.