William "Bill" Vanmeter

William “Bill” E. VanMeter, 74 of Royal Center, passed away Tuesday August 22, 2017 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN.

Born on February 17, 1943 in Indianapolis, he was the son to the late Robert E. VanMeter and Virginia Dare (Hansen) VanMeter.

Bill lived in Indianapolis until he was 11, his family then moved to Winamac where he lived until he was a sophomore in high school. In 1960 Bill moved to Logansport where he would graduate High School in 1962.

Bill entered the U.S Army November 12, 1964 and served his country until December 12, 1971. While earning the rank of Sgt E-5, and serving in South Vietnam at Cu-Chi with the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, he was decorated with many awards including the Presidential Unit Citation with an oak leaf cluster, the Unit Valor Award and the South Vietnam Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Battle Stars. Bill also graduated from the U.S. Army’s noncommissioned officer’s academy.

His first marriage was on December 20, 1969 to Joan Nickelson who preceded in death on September 19, 1985. Surviving that marriage were two step daughters, Pat A. Myers (deceased); and Mary E. Fox, of Logansport. There were 8 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

His second marriage was on April 1, 1995 in Logansport to Jody M. Cottrell. Surviving from that marriage are three step children, Brittany (Justin) Haas, Star City; Joseph L. Cottrell II, Whitestown; and Kayla (Charles) Montgomery, Indianapolis; and seven step grandchildren.

He is also survived by two brothers, Dale Thomas VanMeter, Delphi and Robert E. VanMeter, Indianapolis; also several nieces and nephews.

Bill retired in 2008 from the Logansport State Hospital after 30 years of service. He enjoyed his job working with the mentally ill.

Bill was a member of the V.F.W. Post 3790 and a former member of the American Legion Post 60. He was a 30 year member of the Disabled Vets of America, and a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 26, 2017 in the Gundrum Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Clark officiating. Burial with full Military graveside rites will be held in Mount Hope Cemetery, Logansport.

Visitation will be held from noon until the time of services on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to the V.F.W. Post 3790 or the Wounded Warriors Foundation.