Robert W Van Meter

Mardela Springs- Robert Wention Van Meter, 79, of Mardela Springs, passed Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at University of Maryland Shock Trauma in Baltimore surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 27, 1934 in Cumberland, Maryland, a son of the late Clarence and Janie (Mace) Van Meter. Robert left his education behind and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, where he was assigned to the USS Coral Sea. After his discharge from the Navy he worked various jobs in boat building before working for almost 40 years as a carpenter and millwright for Local Union 2012 in Seaford. He also worked 50 years as a Wicomico County school bus contractor, a job he shared with his wife, Eleanor. He was a long time member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Laurel, where he sung in the choir and served as a trustee. He was also Past President of the Sharptown Lions Club and a member of Dor-Wic American Legion, Post 218 in Sharptown. In addition to loving his family and always putting them first, he loved hunting, especially with his rabbit dogs, fishing, watching old westerns and professional wrestling. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing his education by earning his high school diploma in 2007. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor Van Meter; a son, Robert (Bob) A. Van Meter (Joan) of Mardela Springs; 3 daughters, Dee Calloway of Mardela Springs, Wendy Catlin (Ed) of Salisbury and Janet Fox (Andy) of Sharptown; 7 grandchildren, April Shiles (Kory), Brandon Catlin (Amanda), Robbie Van Meter (Megan), Thomas Calloway III (Cheryl), Nathan Catlin, CPL Katie Maldonado (Bennie) and Jessica Fox; 4 great grandchildren, Kayden, Brant, Kellen and Bennie; 2 sisters, Jill Bedsworth of Salisbury and Linda Johnson of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his faithful dog, “Midget.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Thomas Calloway; 3 brothers, Ronnie (his twin), Jack and Junior; and 3 sisters, Doris, Helen and Gladys. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 from 7:00 to 9:00 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, and also Sunday from 1:00 to 2:00. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 Sunday at the funeral home, officiated by Reverend Rebecca Rollins. Interment with military honors will follow at Mardela Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 32827 Old Stage Road, Laurel, DE 19956, or Mardela Springs Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 123, Mardela Springs, MD 21837. Arrangements are being handled by Short Funeral Home of Delmar. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.shortfh.com.

Robert W Van Meter

May 27, 1934 - January 7, 2014