William L. VanMeter Jr.

Passed away on October 6, 2019 at his residence. Bill was born October 5, 1945 in Sumter, South Carolina, the son of William Sr. and Jacqueline (Caldwell) Van Meter. Bill is survived by his mother, Jacqueline Van Meter, his brother and sister, Pete (Adelia) Van Meter, Johanna Van Meter ((Les) Woodson, two nieces and three grandnieces.

As the son of an Air Force officer, he spent most of his childhood in Germany. In 1958, he moved back to Dearborn, Michigan where he graduated from Fordson High School. At the age of 21. Bill enlisted in the U.S Navy. He was assigned to the Naval Security Group, specializing in Signals, Intelligence Gathering, Cryptology and Information Assurance. After serving several years in the Philippines, he was honorably discharged in 1969 and moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Bill received his B.A. from Western Michigan University. He was employed by Perrigo Company, PLC for 32 years, retiring as Chief Chemist for Analytical R&D in 2011.

Bill loved gardening, animals, classic films, airplanes and history. His family, neighbors and friends will always remember him as a kind and gentle soul who was always there for them, caring for his mother, taking care of pets when someone went on vacation, or judging entries at the Winchell Elementary Science Fair. He will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Bill's life will he held on Sunday, October 20th, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Martini's, 832 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions in Bill's name can be made to Animal's Best Friend Fund or a charity of your choice. To view Bill's personalized guestbook please visit https://www.langelands.com.