Stanley Gene VanMeter
Stanley Gene VanMeter was born June 6, 1946. He passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022, at Brodstone Healthcare in Superior, Nebraska, at the age of 76.
As a child, Stan grew up on a farm near Lovewell, Kansas. He attended Lovewell grade school and graduated from Republic High School in 1965. Stan married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Meggitt, on March 16, 1965. To this union they had four sons, Brad and wife Tobie of La Cygne, Kan., Bryan and wife Paula of Courtland, Kan., Brent and wife Arlene of Concordia, Kan., Blaine and wife Melissa of Petersburg, Texas.
Also surviving are siblings, Ed and Terry VanMeter, Webber, Kan., Lindsey and Gwen VanMeter, Scandia, Kan., Denise Hart and husband Tom, Apache Junction, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren, Seth VanMeter and wife Brigette, Saige VanMeter and best friend Chase, Sandi VanMeter and best friend Alex, Jordan VanMeter, Sydni VanMeter, Carrie May and husband Augustus, Caden VanMeter; step-grandson, Jacob Heiserman and wife Ally; step-granddaughters, Jessica Hancock and Maci Hancock; three great-grandchildren, Sadie Heiserman, Hank Heiserman and Madilynn VanMeter.
He was preceded by a brother, Von VanMeter.
When Stan was younger he loved sports, especially football and track. In 1964 Stan was a part of the mile relay team at the State track meet in Manhattan, Kan. His mile relay team took the gold medal.
After high school, Stan and Maxine lived on a farm west of Republic for 20 years. Stan farmed and was a dairyman. Stan loved to hunt, fish, and trap and enjoyed doing this with his sons.
In 1988 Stan and Maxine moved to Concordia, Kan. Stan spent the next 17 years working at Concordia Auto Mart for Charlie Bowers. He built a six-bay shop for the Auto Mart and then he built the new building used for offices and a sales lot at the corner of Hwy. 81 and Sixth St. in Concordia.
In 1990 Stan began developing Brome Ridge RV Park south of Concordia. He was very proud of his accomplishment and truly enjoyed visiting with camp visitors. He later sold it due to failing health.
Stan served as Cloud County Rural Water operator for 10 years. In 2017 he received the Kansas Rural Water Operator of the Year Award, which he was proud of.
In 2018 Stan retired and they moved back to his home town of Courtland, Kan., to be near his sons when his health began to fail.
Stan was still able to fish with his brother Ed, which was something he truly enjoyed. Stan's brother Lindsey, who lived in California for several years, moved back home within the last year and Stan treasured all their time together. He looked forward to daily visits and phone calls from his brothers; they were his best friends. Stan had nearby neighbors and friends who frequently stopped to visit and it always boosted his spirit.
Stan was so very proud of all four of his sons. He loved and was proud of all his grandchildren. He even got to meet his newest great-granddaughter, Madi.
Stan left us all with his sense of humor. Even with Stan’s daily health struggles the past eight years he never once complained. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him. His saying to us was always, “It is what it is.” Don’t think he knew, but he taught all of us to be a little stronger.
He will be so greatly missed, but left us with many unforgettable memories.
Cremation took place, with a private family memorial planned at a later date. Memorials can be sent to Swedish American State Bank in Courtland, Kan., in care of Maxine VanMeter.
For online condolences, please visit nuttermortuary.com.