Mr. John Cornelius Oomen, born February 12, 1919 to Henry Oomen and Josephine Theewus Oomen in Crystal Township, Oceana County, died Monday, June 14 at Ludington Memorial Medical Center, in the company of wife and family. His siblings were Mary (1915-D), Minnie (1917, D), Catherine (1916), Joseph, (1921). He grew up on the original Oomen family farm where they raised dairy cattle, potatoes, beans and corn. They bought their first tractor in 1937. He attended Cleveland School and later studied under the GI bill and as an avid reader, with particular appreciation of history and the novels of Louis LaMour. In 1942 he was drafted, and was shipped out along with 25 men from Oceana County. He received training at Camp Custer in Battle Creek, Camp Wallace in Texas, and Camp Stewart in Georgia (for advanced training). He served in Africa, Sicily and Italy, where he was stationed in the Kasserine Pass. After two tours, he was discharged in 1945 and received a Meritorious Service Award, three bronze battle stars and a good conduct medal. After a short stint in Muskegon, he returned to farming cattle and vegetables and on July 19, 1947, married Ruth Jean VanAgtmael. In 1955 he planted his first asparagus field and ran a successful asparagus, vegetable and fruit farm, and was involved with the farm until last week. He was a life long member of St. Joseph's Parish in Weare, and was the first lay minister, and served in that capacity until two years ago. His faith sustained him throughout his life. He also was retired from DuPont. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Oomen, his daughter, Anne-Marie Oomen (David Early, Empire, MI) Tom Oomen (Jill Oomen, Hart), Rick Oomen (Jackie Oomen, Hart), Marijo Oomen Bakker, (John Bakker, Hart), Patricia Oomen Harpe (Duane Harpe, Woodland Park, CO). He had 12 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. His generosity and spirit will be sorely missed but lives on. The Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Oomen will be offered Friday, June 18, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. from St. Joseph Catholic Church-Weare with Fr. Phil Shangraw presiding. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, with full Military Rites by the Hart VFW Post 1329 and the Hart American Legion Post 234. Visitation will be Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the King Funeral Home, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 P.M. Memorial contributions may be given to the Crystal Valley Care Fund.