Tom Cartmell attended high school with Bill Van Meter and his brother, Harry (Hal). Although Tom Van Meter was 2 years older, he played on the high school golf team with Tom.
Tom Van Meter confided to Tom that Zoe (Tom’s girlfriend) had been dancing with Hal. Tom cautions Zoe not to be upset with Tom Van Meter as he is a good friend and is watching out for Tom.
From his obituary: (Published in Peoria Journal Star on Feb. 18, 2008)
PEKIN – William R. “Bill” Van Meter, 86, of Pekin Manor in Pekin, formerly of Tremont, died at 12:43 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, at Pekin Hospital.
He was born Aug. 14, 1921, in Highland to Smith Edgar and Anna (Derleth) Van Meter. He married Anna L. Steinkamp on Jan. 28, 1945, in Long Beach, Calif., and she preceded him in death on Jan. 15, 2001.
Surviving are one son, Thomas E. (and Diana) Van Meter of North Pekin; one daughter, Dianna (and Jack) West of Tremont; one granddaughter, Stacy Hafele of Dunlap; one great-grandson, Jake Hafele; one great-granddaughter, Karson Hafele; two brothers, Karl Van Meter of Jacksonville and Harry “Bud” (and Bonnie) Van Meter of Altoona, Fla.; and one sister, Elizabeth Cox of Austin, Texas.
Bill was last employed by School District No. 205 in South Holland before retiring in 1984.
He was a United States WWII Navy veteran.
He was a member of Tremont Baptist Church, a lifetime member of the American Legion, charter member of Tremont American Legion Post No. 1236, member of Thornton American Legion Post No. 1070, member of the Tremont Lions Club, member and past president of Tremont Senior Socialites, member of Tremont Horseshoe Club, charter member of Prairieland Investment Club and a member of Pekin Senior Golf League.
Bill was an avid golfer and Chicago Bulls fan.
He will be most remembered, however, as a loving and cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a true blessing to those he leaves behind.
Private family services will be held at Davis Mortuary, Tremont Chapel. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.