Carvel H. VanMeter

VANMETER, CARVEL H. (VAN), age 81, passed away August 24, 2011 after a short battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Davenport, Iowa, he left home at age 17 to join the US Navy. After serving in the Navy for four years, and while stationed in Charleston, SC, he met and married Mildred Rogers. Together they moved to Orlando, Florida to begin their life together. In 1954, Van joined the Orlando Police Department and served as a dedicated police officer for more than 25 years, he worked his way from a patrolman to Deputy Chief. After he retired from OPD, he worked as interim Chief of Police for both Mt. Dora and St. Cloud Police Departments. Van went on to get his Master Degree in Criminal Justice from Rollins College. He published two books related to his field and then went on to teach at Rollins. He was active in the Elks Club of Orlando and several other organizations. After more than 50 years in Orlando and after the passing of his first wife, Mildred, Van decided to return to his home town in DeWitt, Iowa. There, he reunited with his high school friend, Ruth Ann and later married her at age 75. They had six wonderful years together. While Van loved his life in Orlando, he also loved his new life in Dewitt. He could be seen just about anywhere, from McDonald's in the morning having coffee with the guys, to one of the local restaurants having dinner with Ruth Ann. Just like in Orlando, Van jumped right into the community of DeWitt. He was President of the Cemetery Board, a member of the American Legion, and an Elder at Grace Lutheran Church. He was very proud of his community service and was always sending his family in Orlando news articles with his picture and a story. He was loved by many for his quick wit, his crazy sense of humor and his many stories about his police work. He was always able to make people laugh. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mildred and his son, Karl. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, his nephew, Jeff (Belinda) Cooper, his nieces, Christin Cooper and April Slate and all his new family in DeWitt, Iowa. A Funeral and Internment was in DeWitt, Iowa. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 123 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL at 11:00 am, on October 1st, 2011. The Rev. Paul Hoyer officiating. Please use the parking garage. A luncheon will follow the services.

The Orlando Sentinel, (FL) - Sunday, September 25, 2011

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