Joshua Curtis Van Petten, age 34, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Gardner, Kansas. He was born on August 21, 1990, to his parents, Robert Austin and Wendy J. Herrera, in Manhattan, Kansas.
Josh was a 2008 graduate of Manhattan High. After high school, Josh worked alongside his mother as a para, helping kids with autism. His devotion to helping people then led him to become a caregiver for adults in the special needs community.
Josh is survived by his mother, Wendy, of Manhattan; sister, Faith Herrera; brother, Eli Herrera; nieces, Aubrianna Barnes, Isabella Baker, Aurora Gibby-Herrera; and a nephew, Tyler Barnes, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert, and a sister, Natasha Baker.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 P.M., Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Blue Hills Room in Manhattan.
Condolences to the family may be sent to Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502