Mason, West Virginia
1943 - 2020
MASON, W.Va. — Donald Ray Van Meter, 77, of Mason, W.Va., passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at King's Daughters Medical Center, Ashland, Ky., following a brief illness.
He was born February 14, 1943, in Clifton, W.Va., the son of the late William D. Van Meter and Dorothy (Blake) Van Meter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Pamela S. (Hurlow) Van Meter.
Donald was a 1961 graduate of Wahama High School. Following high school, he attended Marshall University where he received a Master's of Education and was a former football player for the Herd. After graduating, he went on to teach Science and Biology for Southern High School, Point Pleasant High School and Wahama High School. After 40 years of being a devoted and faithful educator, he retired in 2008. Donald was an avid sports fan where he coached many sport teams, which included football, basketball, softball, and wrestling. He led Wahama football team to their first ever state playoff appearance. In 2016, he was inducted into the Wahama Athletic Hall of Fame. In his free time, he enjoyed camping on the river, hunting, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Gwendolyn "Ann" (Howard) Van Meter; sons, Donald "Donnie" Van Meter II of New Haven, Matthew Van Meter, and his wife (Missie) of New Haven; daughters, Debbie (Van Meter) Oliver of Racine, Ohio, Jennifer Van Meter of Mason; brothers, Duane Van Meter of Crown City, Ohio, Harry Joe Van Meter of West Columbia, W.Va.; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Because he touched so many lives throughout his career and life, there will be a walk-through visitation from 2-6 p.m., Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Foglesong Funeral Home, Mason.
Please follow the recommended guidelines as set forth by the CDC and the West Virginia Governor regarding masks/facial coverings and social distancing, which will be required while inside the funeral home.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.foglesongfuneralhome.com
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I was one of Mr. VanMeter's students at WHS about 53 years ago. May you feel the Lord's presence as you look to Him for comfort and strength.
Stella (Randolph) Krebs
January 06, 2021
Loving Light Dishgarden
Harley Hendricks
January 01, 2021
Donnie was a childhood friend. We went from grade school to graduate from Wahama HS together. I joined the USAF. Don went on to become a Coach and Teacher. He was the best. He was a role model for the young men he was coaching. I am very honored to be a lifelong friend with my Buddy. There were years we did not see one another but when I would show up in WV, and get to see Ann and Don, it was as if I had seen them only the day before. I will miss my friend , my Buddy, but I will never...
Nick Nicholson
December 31, 2020 | Friend
Donnie and I worked together at Kaiser Aluminum-we quickly became good friends and continued that friendship for the last 40 years-talking to each other at midnight on New Years Eve-until we both got too old and started talking before midnight but we never missed a call - truly a wonderful guy that showed me what true friendship is all about-Love and prayers to Ann and the family--I will miss him!!
Tom Layton
December 30, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Mr. VanMeter Touched many lives. Whether it was in the classroom, on a field or just as a neighbor. Blessed to have known him. Continued thoughts & prayers for the VanMeter family.
Rebecca Weaver
December 30, 2020 | Student
Coach Van Meter was one of my favorite coaches and teachers at PPHS from 1973-75. Heaven is getting a good man.
Kim Henry
December 30, 2020 | Student
