Mark Robert Van Meter

Sullivan,

Mark Robert Van Meter, of Sullivan, IN was ushered into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the age of 68. Mark was born in Sullivan on May 15, 1955 to the loving parents of Isaac Eugene Van Meter and Mary Lou Hinkle, Van Meter. Mark was a graduate of Sullivan High School class of 1974.  He worked for Hoosier Energy for 33 years, retiring in 2017. On December 15, 2001 he married the love of his life, Barbara Page Van Meter.  Mark was an active member of CrossRoads Community Church, and Masonic Lodge #263 Sullivan. Following the legacy of his dad, he joined the Jaycees devoting 20 years of service, organizing The Corn Festival and many community events. In 1997 Mark earned the prestigious Jaycees International Senator Award for his distinguished service.

Mark was a fiercely and loving family man, who also showed that same love and devotion to his friends and neighbors.  He was willing to teach and share with others his knowledge, faith and insights with respect and kindness, yet unafraid to protect and stand up for what was right. This made him a deeply devoted husband, dad, Poppy, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.  His favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends with plenty of stories to tell, laughter to share and comfort to give when tears arose.  He loved restoring cars, music, writing, photography, collecting heirlooms, Cardinals Baseball, and studying God’s word. Travel and exploring were special to him, with many miles spent on his motorcycle.  His favorite ride was to the Great Smoky Mountains for a quiet cabin and an adventurous ride on the Dragon Tail.  While co-chaperoning a State 4-H Youth Exchange to Poland, he was inducted as an Honorary Member to the Opolski Club of Old Motorcycles. He lived life to the fullest and left a lifetime of memories to cherish.

He was welcomed at the gates of heaven by his parents and brother-in-law, Danny Bradbury. Those left behind to celebrate his life is his soulmate and wife Barbara Page Van Meter; son Ronald Brock (Lynsey); granddaughters, Mylee Paige and Kynsey Grace Brock; sisters, Marigene Bradbury, Prescott, AZ and Melissa Merida (John Foster), New Albany, IN, along with all his nieces and nephews that he loved as his own.

Family and friends may show their love and support on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Holmes Memorial Chapel from 4:00-8:00 pm with Masonic services at 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11:00 am. with Pastors Ken Bovenschen and Peter Bales delivering the message. In lieu of flowers the family is honoring Mark’s love of animals and ask that donations be made to the Sullivan Humane Shelter in his memory.