Joseph VanMeter Obituary

What a glorious day in heaven it was Thursday evening, October 30, 2025 when Joseph Abel Van Meter was called home to heaven at the age of 85, surrounded by his family. He had long awaited this reunion with his wife, Mary and daughter, Tina.

Joseph was born Monday, October 14, 1940 at home in Odessa MO, the oldest of four sons born to Aubrey Hammond and Mary Elizabeth (Colster) Van Meter. At an early age, Joe's family moved from his birthplace in Odessa to a farm south of Odessa where he and his twin brother, John would ride a horse to and from the one room schoolhouse, Rocky Ford. Perhaps this was the true beginning of his love of riding horses. The family moved to Kingsville, Missouri in March of 1949 where he started each day milking cows with his brothers. Joe attended Kingsville school thru graduation in 1958. Upon completion of school, Joe, his father and brother attended Auctioneer school; Joe began work at Windsor Livestock Auction for Huey Johnson soon after. Joe had many business ventures over the years. He was partners with his brother John, and neighbor Les Watterson in owning and operating Flame Gas out of Kingsville, he was partners in Van Meter Farms, first with his brother John and later with his son, Scott. He auctioneered for Van Meter Auction and Sale Barn with his father and three brothers, and was partners with his brother John and friends Jerome Heiman and Bob Cobb in owning and operating Pork Palace. Joe was a lifetime farmer and cattle rancher. He enjoyed raising cattle and riding and swapping horses for many years.

Joe was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus in Holden, Missouri. He enjoyed working in the Cook Shack at the annual fair for many years, as well as help organize and host parish picnics in the 70's and 80's.

Joe had many hobbies over the years. He enjoyed attending local dances with Mary in the 70's and 80's, playing golf with his good friends Bob Jones and Jerome Heiman on Sunday mornings, playing cards at the Red Barn, traveling with their friends Tiny and Ruthie Richey, trail riding with the many friends of the Happy Hill Gang, Friday night dinners at the Cowboy and riding motorcycles with his brothers and friends. Joe was an excellent pool player and had a love of telling stories. Joe enjoyed socializing most of all, whether over a beer with family and friends or over breakfast at the local diner. He often mentioned how many friends he had and how grateful he was for each of them. He stated often that going to breakfast was the best part of his day and that he had a lot of laughs with his group of friends there. Joe was truly grateful for the good life he had – He'd say it was a good ride.

Joe married Mary Frances Lohe on June 24, 1961 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. They celebrated 55 years of marriage together before Mary's passing in 2016. Born to Joseph and Mary were four children, Dana Jo, Joseph Scott, Tina Ann and Angela Marie. Joe and Mary began their lives together in Kingsville before moving south of Holden to raise their family on the farm. Over the years, many children called this house their second home; all were welcome here. One child in particular, Tina's best friend Jacki Rigdon, became somewhat of a constant presence and ultimately became one of Joe and Mary's "kids".

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Mary, daughter Tina, parents Aubrey and Elizabeth, brother Aubrey C (Jr), grandsons Joshua Van Meter and Jacob Patton, great grandchild Baby Carter, son in law, Brian Gudde, sister in law Beth Van Meter, nephew Jay Van Meter and great nephew Brian Ray Van Meter. Also preceding him were all of his in-laws, John and Lena Lohe, Bud and June Lohe, Margie and Gary Trueblood, Diane Hoss and Gary Hoss.

Left to rejoice his life, daughter Dana Van Meter, son Scott Van Meter (Deb), daughter Angela Leonard (Ernie), daughter Jacki Brandel (Stan), his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Sara Carter (Kit), their children Chloe, Eli, Etta and Lena, Phillip Gudde (Casie), their children Paxton and Miles, Chelsea Moore (Spencer) their children Keeston and Lanxton, Dustin Van Meter, Audrey Stever (Jacob) their children Anna and Emma, Brett Leonard (Samantha) their children Sterling and Colt who is expected in December, and Kyle Brandel. Also surviving are his brothers John Van Meter (Beverly) and Theodore Van Meter, sister in law Donna Van Meter and many nieces and nephews.
May we all strive to emulate this man's love of family, perseverance thru struggle and faith in God.

Visitation Services will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a funeral Mass to be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Holden on Wednesday, November 5th at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please leave a note with a fun or meaningful time you had with Joe, the family would love to hear these stories.

If you feel the need to make a contribution in Joe's name, please consider donating to Mt. Calvary Cemetery in care of Williams Funeral Chapel.
Pallbearers: Phillip Gudde, Brett Leonard, Dustin Van Meter, Kyle Brandel, Kit Carter, Spencer Moore and Jacob Stever.

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