Obituary
Eldon Eugene Van Meter Jr., Greenwood, IN, passed away on March 6, 2024. He was 80 years old. Eldon was born in Huntington, IN to his parents Eldon and Thelma Van Meter. He graduated from Huntington High School and attended Huntington College, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Eldon married his wife, Leah Lyn Van Meter, on June 26, 1962 and together they shared 38 years of marriage together until Leah passed away in 2003. Later, Eldon married Darlene Marie (Powell) Van Meter on March 18, 2004 and together they shared 20 years of marriage.
Eldon worked as a chemist for Eli Lilly & Co and retired in 2004 after 35 years of service. Eldon received many acclimations and acquired many patents for chemical processes he developed during his time at Eli Lilly. Eldon was a member of First Church of the Nazarene for over 50 years. He was a talented musician who enjoyed playing the trombone. Eldon became an avid Purdue sports fan when his daughter became a student there. He loved John Deere tractors and completing outdoor projects, including planting evergreen trees around his home. Eldon loved traveling across the country with his family and held a pilot’s license which allowed him to fly in his free time. Eldon’s strong willed personality and generous nature will be lovingly remembered by his family. He will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Darlene Marie (Powell) Van Meter; his children, Laura Lyn Van Meter and Michelle (Tim) Barrington; his grandchildren, Zoe and Noah Barrington; his siblings, Lloyd Van Meter and Elaine Foster; his several nieces and nephews.
Eldon is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Leah Lyn Van Meter.
There will be a graveside service for Eldon at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens on Friday, March 15, 2024. The family will gather at the funeral home at 10:45 am and process to the grave at 11:00 am.
Donations
For those choosing to make memorial contributions, please send donations to a charity of your choice.