Darrell E. VanMeter (94) of Effingham

Print

Published on April 21 2017 7:55 am

Darrell E. VanMeter, 94, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Effingham Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 25 at Johnson Funeral Home, 1110 North Street, Effingham, IL with Pastor Dallas Bear officiating. Burial will be in Brown Cemetery in Edgewood, IL, with military rites. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Memorials may be made in loving memory of Darrell to the Wounded Warrior Project or Effingham County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Darrell was born on February 19, 1923, in Effingham, IL, the son of Albert and Myrtle (Funk) VanMeter. Darrell was a World War II veteran who proudly served our country. He worked as a riveter on bombers for two years before he was inducted into the Army in May 1944. He sailed for Italy where he joined the 91st Division, 361st Infantry, 5th Army and was awarded silver and bronze medals. After World War II was over, he was discharged from service on May 17, 1946. He married Eva Norma Jean Kuhlman in 1947 and they raised their nine children in Effingham. Darrell was employed at John Boos & Co. for over thirty years and later worked at the local daily news for twenty years. He was keen on working with his hands and was exceptional at fixing things around the house. His favorite things to do included listening to music, singing, long country drives, and playing with his dog companion named “Randy.” He was passionate, adventurous, honest, and loved spending time with his family.

Darrell is survived by his nine children, Linda (John) Pierson of Louisville, Carol (John) Rowland of Springfield, Oregon, Leona Horath of Effingham, Danny (Carla) VanMeter of Teutopolis, Dennis (Linda) VanMeter of Effingham, Larry (fiancée, Janet Rhoades) VanMeter of Effingham, Patricia (Bruce) Miller of Effingham, Charles VanMeter of Effingham, George (Mary Lou) VanMeter of Effingham; 19 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva Norma Jean; grandchildren, Christopher VanMeter, Michael Van Matre Jr., and Karen VanMeter.