Randy Warren "Skeeter" VanAtta

Randy "Skeeter" VanAtta, born January 30th, 1952, passed away at home on Friday November 29th, 2024. Survived by his wife Mary VanAtta, children, Stacy Cain (Scott), Chad VanAtta (Ashlee), and Stevie Lyn Fordyce, 7 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchildren. Brothers Mike, Harry, Matt, and Rick VanAtta, and Mother in law Ivalu Velfling.
Preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Wanda VanAtta, Sister Kathy Greenhill, and oldest son Randy VanAtta Jr.
There will be a private family only viewing with a celebration bash at the end of January at the Williamston Eagles
Skeeter VanAtta was quite the character as many people discovered over the course of his 72 years. There are literally thousands of funny, daredevil and adventurous stories that have been shared about him. His whole life there have been a few constants such as his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles, his pride in whatever job he was doing, his friends and his beer.
He grew up farming and took that love of farm equipment with him, and became a heavy equipment operator for 45+ years; something that made him the happiest doing. He was especially proud of digging and creating all the ponds around the Soaring Eagles Casino, and when Tiger Stadium was torn down, he was the last piece of equipment to leave, smoothing out the land as he backed his dozer out. He was always at a job before anyone else to ensure everything was set up and in place to begin each day.
He spent many years officiating the local Webberville Tractor Pulls in town and when they traveled, something he was very passionate about. He was great at making something work out of nothing and did so with a broken down transfer sled the club had acquired. He was a master and drawing designs and fabricating anything people needed.
He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order Of Eagles and took great pride in serving in various roles at the Williamston branch for many years.
Most who knew him knew he could be a hard man, but also knew he would lend a hand wherever he could and be there for his friends for whatever help was needed. He cherished his friends and would often jump in the truck with a case of beer and go visiting. He has been a bartender, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, bouncer, horse hauler, farmer, boss, husband, brother, father and friend. Everyone who knew him will miss him dearly.
Ride hard, Ride free brother.
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