Larry Allen VanMeter

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Larry Allen VanMeter died peacefully Monday July 28, 2025, at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Kentucky. Larry lived life to its fullest beyond multiple health challenges in the last few years.

Nick-named, "Larry the Legend" by grandson Seth, for his stories and grit, he loved his Lake of Egypt home, a sanctuary of 60 years. It was there where finches, woodpeckers, and cardinals were nourished at the kitchen bird feeder, tree frogs marked the end of each day, and the leaves were as endless as was his love for his wife of 45 years, Sara, and children Laura, Chris, and Sally, and grandson Seth.

Larry was born to Mary and Bill VanMeter on July 29, 1936, in Karnak. His parents and sister, Amanda Houseright predeceased him. Larry married Sara Ann Schroeder of Mt. Vernon on June 14, 1959. Sara predeceased him in 2004. Their 45 years of marriage were highlighted by traversing the US and beyond.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University and Ohio University, Larry worked for the Social Security Administration as a district manager and later with the State Department as a federal benefits officer in the Philippines and Germany. Larry and Sara, dedicated and involved parents, were an adventurous team. While living in southern Indiana until 1978, highlights were regular visits with grandparents, camping vacations to eastern Canada, along the Great Lakes, to Colorado and throughout the West and weekends at Lake of Egypt, where Larry designed and built (with family and friends) "the cottage" in 1972. Travels in Asia were throughout the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Singapore and Australia.

Their time in Frankfurt included German lessons at the consulate, German-American cultural exchanges, including square dancing, and travels throughout Europe. Upon returning to the US and retirement, Larry created and orchestrated four European tours (one with Sara and three with Chris), exposing others to favorite family getaways, and showcasing art, history and cultural distinctions. Larry was especially interested in history, practiced and encouraged good governance and proudly flew the US flag. Above all travel stories, he spoke of deep gratitude for the service of US troops in WWII. He was most proud of visits to the American Cemetery in Manila, Normandy and Luxembourg.

In 2018, Larry faced with deep sorrow, the untimely death of their oldest child, Laura Lynn VanMeter McElroy. He delighted in her quiet resolve and sense of exploration as well as the adventures of all his children, always willing to help them achieve the best opportunity for their well-being. Larry is survived by his son Chris VanMeter with husband Tito, daughter Sally Pendleton, grandson Seth Pendleton, nephew, Lonnie (Sheila) Houseright, niece, Janet Houseright Reynolds, Lee McElroy and the Schroeder family: Marysue, Harriet, Susan, Stephen and Kathy.

A celebration of life service will be held on at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11am in the chapel at Nazareth Home (2000 Newburg Road) Louisville where memorial gifts may be made.

A memorial gathering will also be held, Saturday, October 25 at 4pm at Crestwood Estates Pavilion, Lake of Egypt.

A celebration of life service will be held on 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in the chapel at Nazareth Home (2000 Newburg Road) Louisville, Kentucky, where memorial gifts may be made.

A memorial gathering will also be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Crestwood Estates Pavilion, Lake of Egypt.