Tab R.VanMeter, 60, Rochester, passed away Friday, Jan. 26, 2018.

On June 26, 2002, at the Delong Lighthouse Church, VanMeter married the love of his life Teresa L. Thomas. They shared 15 years of life’s adventures. They enjoyed traveling making many trips to Michigan their favorite destination was Gatlinburg and Hawaii.

Passionate about agriculture, VanMeter was a farmer for 55 years. As a child he learned a strong work ethic and responsibility by assisting with the family’s dairy operation. Many great times in fields were spent on board his yellow Case 830. As an animal lover VanMeter watched mindfully over the Holsteins and the “Apache pigs.” At Acument Global Technologies he was a reliable machine operator/set-up man, devoted to the company for 16 years. To relax he embraced the outdoors especially fishing and camping.

A man of great faith, VanMeter was a life member of the Mount Hope United Methodist Church. His favorite book in the Bible was Proverbs, which he read daily. With a servant’s heart he was always there to help anyone in need. Papa Tab loved all children but had a soft spot in his heart for his nine wonderful grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

VanMeter will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Teresa; a daughter, Haley A. Stepp and husband Andy of Winamac; two sons: Kyle R. Van Meter and wife Jane of Rochester, Adam D. Van Meter and wife Brittnie of Culver; two blended children: Amanda Baldwin of Logansport, Logan Beatty and wife Jessica of Rochester; nine grandchildren: Sam and Zoey Stepp, Talia Valdez, Julianna Florez,  and the Beatty kids Emma, Riley, Ciara, Hunter, and Hayden; a sister, Peggy Van Meter of Rochester;  two brothers:  Dean Van Meter and wife Donna of  Kewanna, Dudley Van Meter and Sharon of Plymouth; and his treasured miniature donkeys, Elvis and Donkey.

Preceding VanMeter in death are his parents Walter and Naomi, and a brother, Larry Van Meter.

Pastor Robert Metzger will officiate services.He will be laid to eternal rest on the family plot at the Leiter’s Ford IOOF Cemetery.