Donald VanMeter

Age 83, of Lawton, MI passed away at home on Thursday, October 25, 2018. Donald was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, "buddy", great-grandfather, uncle, loyal friend and co-worker. Donald is survived by his wife: Frances A. (nee Arras); daughters: Darci L. Urycki and Dorene E. (Robert) Budner; sister-in-law: Rosemarie (Harold) Schmelzer; brother-in-law: Weldon (Cris) Crisman; grandchildren: Matthew (Crissy), Daniel, and David (Kim) Budner, Mark and Sarah Urycki; great-grandchildren: Lily and Luke Budner; many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his faithful companion, Dot. Along with his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his son: Donald A. Jr.; daughter: Dawn M.; sisters: Jeanne Grabiak and Doris Crisman; brother-in-law: Edward (Red) Grabiak; sister-in-law: Cecilia Arras; son-in-law: Michael Urycki; and special niece: Patty Ann Petelinsek. Donald was born in McCoysburg, IN on March 26, 1935 to the late Forrest and Eva VanMeter. He retired from The Anderson Company of Gary and Michigan City, IN after 39 years of service. Don retired as a volunteer fireman at the Merrillville Fire Department Station #1 after 50 years of service. He was a member of Roosevelt Masonic Lodge, more recently of Dunes Masonic Lodge #741 F.&A.M., Orak Shrine, South Lake County Shrine Club, and the Deep River R/C Flying Club. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Geisen Funeral & Cremation Services, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST. There will be an IVFA Memorial Service at 6:30 PM CST. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM CST, with Fr. Gerald Sroka officiating. Interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. A memorial luncheon will be held in Donald's honor at St. Mary Church in Paw Paw, Michigan on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 1:00 PM EST. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Donald's name to Shriners Children's Hospital, Share Foundation for the Handicapped or Hospice of Southwest Michigan. View directions and sign Donalds's online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com (219) 769-3322.