Robert Earl VanMeter, age 82, of Blooming Grove Township, died Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at his residence.

Born February 15, 1934 in Fayette County, Indiana he was the son of the late Earl R. & Clara (Keal) VanMeter.  He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army.  On September 15, 1956, he was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Chappelow, and she survives.

He had worked at Sperry Rubber in Brookville; and had farmed in Franklin County for much of his life.  He was an accomplished woodworker and harvested, milled, and dried his own lumber from the farm.  He enjoyed his cattle and life on the farm and restoring antique tractors.

Besides Dorothy, his loving wife of over 60 years, survivors include four children, David (Rita) VanMeter of Connersville, Indiana, Daniel (Jennifer) VanMeter of Brookville, Indiana, Timothy VanMeter of Blooming Grove Township, and Rebecca (Mike) Robbins of Cincinnati, Ohio; two sisters, Lilah Howell of Moorseville, Indiana and Kathleen Covey of Danville, Indiana; 13 Grandchildren, 2 Step-grandchildren; as well as 8 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bruce L. VanMeter; and two sisters Juanita Higgs and Phyllis Gwin.

Eric Hopkins will officiate the Funeral Services on Saturday, October 22, 2016, 12:00 Noon, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.  Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.

Family & friends may visit from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville.

Memorial Contributions may be directed the Franklin County Community Foundation Fred & Midge Chappelow Operating Endowment.  Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the VanMeter family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com