Leslie Evan "Buzz" Van Meter

Leslie Evan “Buzz” Van Meter II, 81, of Owensboro, KY, went to be with the Lord on February 21, 2025, while surrounded by his family. Buzz was born on September 9, 1943, in Biloxi, MS to the late Leslie and Jean Van Meter. His brothers include Chip Van Meter of Naples, FL, John Van Meter of Orlando, FL, and the late Doug Van Meter of Louisville, KY. 

 He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Patsy,” of nearly 60 years. Their children include Shelly Miller (Randy) of Hazel Green, Alabama, Michael Van Meter (Jenny) of Owensboro, Lesley Van Daniker (Ryan) of Lexington, Tracy Rodenborn (Steve) of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and Mark “Van” Van Meter (Eryn) of Charleston, West Virginia. Also surviving their “Pop” are 14 grandchildren: Brandy Dibble (Brent), Peyton Van Meter, Audrey Hartin (Austin), Claire Miller, Andrew Van Meter, Evan Van Daniker, Hannah Van Daniker, Tucker Van Meter, Cate Rodenborn, Will Rodenborn, Jack Rodenborn, Evelyn Van Meter, Wallace Van Meter and Adam Rodenborn and three great grandchildren include Ben Dibble, Barrett Dibble and Rowyn Hartin. 

 Multiple paragraphs cannot attempt to celebrate the lifetime works of Leslie “Buzz” Van Meter (1943-2025). He spent the dash - that mark between his birthdate and now, living and loving life to the fullest. How he lived the dash is how he will be remembered. 

 Buzz spent his dash like a Kentucky Derby thoroughbred. It wasn’t enough to be a win-place-or-show. Life was always a run for the roses. Yet, he took time to smell those roses. He even tried to convince his bride to honeymoon at the Horseshoe Inn, across from Calumet Farms. Knowing how he rose at 4:30am to watch morning workouts from Keeneland's rails while crafting his magic, handicapping each day’s horse races with multi-color pens and highlighters, they wisely agreed on Daytona Beach instead. 

 Along with early risings, Buzz found time to graduate from UK with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He became an expert in the field of natural gas while as the Vice President and Chief Engineer at Western KY Gas, then as the director of sales and marketing at Texas Gas, later owning a consulting business and retiring from PEAK. 

 He loved sports and volunteered in many. Coach Buzz Van Meter was a football coach, as was his legacy father before him, who started Owensboro Catholic’s football program. Buzz, himself, was a proud Catholic High booster, earning the Emerald and Gold award. Close friends, Ray Garvin and James “Dude” Sterling, ensured he didn’t miss a Catholic football game ever since. Buzz was also a passionate Aces fan of the girl’s and boy’s basketball teams, and didn’t miss watching a KY Wildcat game either. 

 Buzz became the Owensboro Babe Ruth president of 3 baseball divisions. No doubt, his playing in the 1958 Babe Ruth World Series led him to volunteer and impact young, American dreams on the field.

 Buzz was a faithful church member of Immaculate Parish. His and Patsy’s dedication earned them the Sophia award. Chances are, if you played sports in the town of Owensboro, served at church, played Bingo at Catholic High, and volunteered for United Way or Red Cross, then you knew Buzz. His accomplishments in the community earned him the commission of honorable Kentucky Colonel in 1997. This is the highest title of honor bestowed by the governor of KY. In other words, Buzz was all-in.

 Close friendships are included in his all-in dash. There will never be another “Gatlinburg Gang” as close. Linda Rocco, Father Ray Clark, and Father John Vaughan ministered to him until his last days. A special thank you to the Signature HealthCARE Unit 6 staff at Hillcrest for adopting Buzz with their compassion and care.

 The funeral Mass for Buzz will be 10 AM Friday, February 28 at Immaculate Catholic Church with burial following in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 PM until 7 PM Thursday with prayers at 6:30 PM at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM Friday at the funeral home.

 Memorial contributions may be made to the Owensboro Catholic High School Chapel Fund, c/o OCHS, 1524 W. Parrish Avenue, Owensboro, KY 42301 or to Immaculate Catholic Church Renovation Fund, c/o Immaculate Parish, 2516 Christie Place, Owensboro, KY 42301. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.