Shane Robert VanMeter, 27, of Cinnamon Lake, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2014, following a motor vehicle accident in Ashland County. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina on December 30, 1986, to John and Connie (Buchanan) VanMeter.
He graduated from Black River High School in 2005 and joined the U.S. Navy a year later. He served five years and received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, four Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and was a Surface Warfare Specialist. Following his Navy service, he worked for Akron Brass and McDonalds in Ashland.
He was an avid baseball fan and player, starting with Penfield Hot Stove, Black River High School and the San Diego Red Dogs Amateur, and most recently on local weekend softball leagues.
Surviving are a son, Brody Kealoha Wade VanMeter of El Paso, Texas; parents, John and Connie VanMeter of Cinnamon Lake; sister, Katlin Nicole VanMeter of Ashland; grandparents, Harold and Linda VanMeter of Litchfield; great-grandparents, Howard and Violet Hart of Litchfield; stepgreat-grandmother, Dorothy Meredith of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada; and forever best friend, Brian Sakal of Brunswick.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Franklin and Dianne Buchanan.
Funeral service will be Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 11 A.M., in the Parker & Son Funeral Home, 202 East Main St., Spencer. Reverend Paul Wilson of Wellington, will officiate. Burial will be in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. Visitation will be Friday, March 7, 2014, from 6 until 8:30 P.M., at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Online memorials may be shared at www.parkerfuneralhomes.com
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