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Bobby "Bob" Lee Van Meter
© Enid News and Eagle
07-06-2022
Submitted by: Glenn
© Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.
Bobby "Bob" Lee Van Meter
July 1, 1933 - July 5, 2022
Funeral service will be Friday, July 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fairview First United Methodist Church. Reverend Adam Brinson officiating. Burial following at the Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements by Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.
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July 1, 1933 - July 5, 2022
On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Bobby "Bob" Lee Van Meter, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at the age of 89.
Bob was born on July 1, 1933 on a farm southwest of Dacoma, Oklahoma to Sam and Helen (Martin) Van Meter. Upon graduating from Dacoma High School, he received a basketball scholarship to Central Junior College in McPherson, KS and later transferred to Northwestern in Alva, OK. In the spring of 1953, Bob met Jesse Ilene Crawford and they were married on April 18, 1954. In October 1954, Bob was drafted into the Army where he served for two years. Upon his discharge, Bob enrolled at Northwestern college again where he played basketball and football. During this time Ilene gave birth to a daughter, Jeania Diane. Bob graduated in 1958 and went on to receive his first teaching and coaching job in Adams, OK. In the fall of 1960, Bob and family moved to Boise City, OK where he was hired as the head boys basketball coach and where his son, Mark Lee was born. Bob went on to teach and coach at Medford, OK and then was hired as principal at Woodward, OK.
In 1971, at the age of 38, Bob was hired as superintendent of Fairview Public Schools. During the 22 years as superintendent, he completed several projects to improve the district, which included building the football stadium and track, band building, vo-ag building, Geraldine Burns Learning Center, Cornelsen Elementary School, and moving the Progressive gym. He also served as the president of the Northwestern Oklahoma School of Administrators and was on the OSSAA board for seven years. Bob was recognized as a 50 year member of the Fairview Lion's Club, active on the board of Fairview Lakeside Golf Course, and served as president of the Major County Retired Educators.
Bob retired in 1995. At that time he was awarded Fairview Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year to honor his many years of community service. He played an instrumental role in the construction of the Fairview First United Methodist Church, building of the football stadium press box, Little Jacket Learning Junction, and adding on to the Senior Citizens building. He supervised Major County trustees in moving and remodeling the Life Fitness Center, completed many projects at the Major County Historical society, and helped place over fifty rural one-room schoolhouse markers around the area.
Bob and his wife, Ilene, were married for 68 years. They had a love for traveling that took them to all 50 states, over 41 foreign countries, and all seven continents. Bob and Ilene also had a passion for playing golf together, especially in Colorado and New Mexico. Bob enjoyed watching and supporting his grandchildren in their school activities. He was an integral part of their lives and gave each of his grandchildren special nicknames. Bob and Ilene were longtime members of the Fairview First United Methodist Church where you could find them almost every Sunday morning.
Bob was an avid believer that good things come to those that work hard. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, faith, and community.
Bob is preceded in death by his mother and father (Sam and Helen), his brothers, Corwin and Bill (Mary) Van Meter.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jesse Ilene of Fairview, his children, Jeania (Rick) Luber of Oklahoma City and Mark (Tammy) Van Meter of Fairview, his grandchildren, Bryan (Kate) Luber of Edmond, Karissa (Bryan) Suchy of Oklahoma City, Paige (Daylon) Krause of Okeene and Payton (Sam) Stephens of Elk City, brother Larry (Peggy) Van Meter of Dacoma, sister-in-law, June Van Meter, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with seven great grandchildren, Heidi, Claire, Levi, Finley, Sloane, Suttyn and Logan.
Funeral service will be held Friday, July 8, 2022 at 10:00 am at the Fairview First United Methodist Church. Reverend Adam Brinson will officiate. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are by Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Bob Van Meter Memorial Scholarship fund with Fairview Funeral Home acting as custodian of the funds.
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