Matthew Howard Van Order's Obituary
Matthew H. Van Order 1928-2019
Passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019 in Arlington, VA. He was the only son of Howard L. Van Order and Ida Marie Curran and was born August 5, 1928 in Rochester, NY.
He attended the Universities of Rochester and Minnesota. In May 1951 he received his Master of Arts in American Studies in Minnesota. At the same time he was commissioned an Ensign in the U. S. Navy and served until May 1954.
Returning to Rochester he taught Secondary School Social Studies until 1957 when he went to India as a Fulbight Exchange Teacher.
In July 1958 Matthew entered the United States Foreign Service and retired in 1983. Prior to his initial assignment abroad in 1960 he married Mary La Rue Ahachich. Their son, Howard was born in Mexico City in 1962. Their marriage ended with the death of Mary La Rue in Washington in July 1969.
During as assignment in Pakistan, Matthew married Maria E. Torre Garza in Mexico City in 1973. In 1974 their son, Bernard was born and followed by Christopher in 1976.
Maria accompanied Matthew on assignments to Karachi, Pakistan, Lusaka, Zambia, and Monterrey, Mexico. Matthew is survived by his wife, Maria and three sons, Howard, Bernard and Christopher.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the U. S. Navy Relief.
Please share online condolences with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 3:00pm at St. Ann Catholic Church 5312 10th Street, N. Arlington, VA 22205. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
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