John G. Van Meter

John George Van Meter passed away unexpectedly at home in Petersburg, West Virginia on August 29, 2022 at the age of 84.  Born on February 8,1938 in Cumberland, Maryland, son of the late Mabel Snyder and Kenneth Chambers Van Meter Jr.

John recounted many fond memories spent with his cousins on the family dairy farm, Locust Shade, as well as in his childhood neighborhood as a proud member of the Pierpont Street Polecats. He went to work at 13 years old as a guide at Smoke Hole Caverns.

John spent his early years in Petersburg where he attended elementary school. His love for history  earned  him the  State’s history contest honor of “Knights of  the Golden Horseshoe”. He graduated from Petersburg high School in 1956 and went on to West Virginia University, graduating from West Virginia University College of Law in 1961. During his junior year in college to avoid a $5 fine, he and his Phi Sig Brothers attended the Alpha Delta Pi Tea where he met his beloved wife Mary of 63 years. They were married in Rowlesburg, West Virginia on August 4, 1959. They made their home in Petersburg, West Virginia for the past 63 years. John had a magnetic quality about him. People gravitated toward him to feel heard, supported, and important. John practiced Law with his father beginning in 1961 until his retirement.

Mr. Van Meter served on The Grant County Bank Board since 1977 and The Highland Bankshares, Inc. Board since 1985, serving as Chairman/CEO. In addition, he served on the Petersburg City Council for eight years.  He was an active member of The Petersburg Presbyterian Church fulfilling duties as elder and trustee. He took pride in his work  on numerous nonprofit organizations . He served as Mental Health Commissioner in Grant County for many years. “Coach “Van Meter helped organize the local little league football program.

Anyone who knew John knew his family was his first love. He had a unique and special relationship with each of his loved ones.  He is survived by his wife Mary; son John and wife Mary Jane Van Meter, Spraggs, PA; son Scott and wife Robin Van Meter, Beckley,WV; daughter Jennifer and husband Mark Hatala, Binghamton,NY; Boompa’s pride and joy were his grandchildren Beth and husband Jim Swords, Lori Fox, and Carly White, Waynesburg, PA; Jacob Van Meter, Beckley, WV , Madison and husband Shane Thompson, Charleston, WV; Lauren, Molly, Grace, Samuel & Rose Hatala all of Binghamton, NY; Great grandchildren Megan Swords, Nathan and Sydney Fox all of Waynesburg, PA and numerous cousins.

John appreciated the little things in life. He loved Sandbridge Beach with his grandchildren, a dip in the ocean, fishing trips w the boys, gardening, an ice cold beer, evenings on the back porch, the Wall Street Journal and history books that would put most to sleep.  He had a love for all things historical . He taught Civil War History for Shepherd College.  In 1988 He published “ Short History-Small Church: Petersburg Presbyterian Church 1837-1987”.  He edited The Civil War Letters of Charles Delay which he titled” To Water Street With Love”.  He had a special talent for story telling, his laugh infectious and his love for his family immeasurable.

John and his family were grateful for the loving care & friendship of the  Family Traditions lunch crew, Jan Hinebaugh, Terry Wimer, Dr. Bensenhaver & staff, Becky Harman, and this wonderful small town family.

A private burial will be held for the family at The Maple Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at the Petersburg Presbyterian Church  at 12 Noon.  Family will receive friends from 10 AM till time of service at 12 Noon, followed by repast in the church fellowship hall..

Memory Eternal Meter... Dad...Boompa!!!

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Petersburg High School Scholarship Fund,  89 Riverview Drive, Petersburg, WV 26847 or to the  Petersburg Presbyterian Church, 20 N Main Street, Petersburg, WV. 26847

“He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lakeside,
He came to those men who knew Him not. He speaks to us the same words: "Follow thou me!" and sets us to the tasks which He has to fulfill for our time. He commands. And to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and, as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience Who He is.”

Albert Schweitzer, The Quest of the Historical Jesus

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