Donald Meter

Donald Wayne Van Meter, 41, of Robinson, devoted husband, loving father and stedfast friend, passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2005. Graveside services will be held Friday, November 18, 2005, 10:00 A.M. at the Robinson Cemetery, with the Rev. Michael Moore officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, 6 to 8 P.M. at the Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 N. Robinson Dr.
Donny grew up in Oklahoma where he graduated from Bristow High School where he excelled in football, baseball and wrestling. He attended Oklahoma State University before finding his way to Waco, Texas where he met the love of his life, Kenny Beth Cotharn, who later became his wife. His wife and two daughters were his life. He was a proud and devoted father who loved caddying for his girls in golf and lovingly teaching them the game of softball. He was very active in youth activities in Robinson. He managed and coached in the Robinson Little League and the Robinson Youth Basketball League for many years where he also served on the Board of Directors for both organizations. He was a tireless worker and gave of his time and talents freely. He has enriched many young lives and will be greatly missed.
His girls wrote this letter to him years ago:
My sister and I are writing this letter so that everyone can read That we have the best Daddy, just read and you will see. Daddy knows my favorite food is cheetoes And my sister’s is French fries I know my daddy spoils us, he just hates to see us cry. He bathes us when we’re dirty and walks us when we’re sick To keep up with my little sister, he sure is awfully quick. We know this might sound funny, to be girls and all that, But Mattie and I love to wrestle and ride upon his back. It’s the little things my Daddy does that makes me love him so. He takes me to school, he picks me up, he takes me everywhere he goes. He dresses up my Barbies and built me a swing set, too. Daddy, we hope you know just how much Mattie and I love you. As the day winds down and we are all knelt to say our prayers, Mattie and I close our eyes and know just how much he cares. So, I ask all you Daddies with children like Mattie and I, Give them a hug today, cause my how time flies by.
Donny was preceded in death by his father, Bill Van Meter. He is survived by his wife, Kenny Beth Van Meter; two daughters, Morgan and Madison Van Meter; Mother, Joy Van Meter, Grandmother Grace Byrd, Aunt Pauline Swaffer, and cousin Renee Smith all of Bristow, Oklahoma and Uncle Don Van Meter of Arkansas; sister-in-laws and their husbands Ron and Debbie Schwartinsky of Robinson, Mark and Rhonda Gilham of Hewitt, Gary and Lisa Fowler of Robinson and Mike and Kerry Lashombe of Robinson; nieces and nephews Craig, Dusty and Tyler Schwartinsky, Chris and Cody Gilham, Lucas and Lacee Fowler and Shelby, Kendyl and Lindsey Lashombe; father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Billie Cotharn of Robinson and many, many friends.
Pallbearers will be Wes Waller, Mike Cargill, Hank Sprague, JT Farney, Ortero Alonzo and Phil Stach. Honorary pallbearers are each and every girl and boy in Robinson who he dedicated his time and encouragement to while guiding them as they grew up.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Donny Van Meter Memorial Fund at Members Choice Federal Credit Union of Central Texas in Waco.