Winton Lyle VanMeter

Winton Lyle (Van) VanMeter was born in Hutchinson, KS, on August 11, 1942. He was born shortly before his twin sister, Joyce Faye, to Arthur Jean and Lucille Peterson VanMeter. He was raised on a farm near Abbyville, KS, with his eight siblings. They were all animal lovers and raised a skunk "Flower" from a kit to a house pet and a chicken hawk, "Henry". He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his best friend Richard Kimble. Winton's family referred to him as "Lyle" as a child and he carried that name through school at Union 5 grade school and Nickerson High School. He graduated from high school in 1960 and immediately joined the army where he was nicknamed "Van". He proudly served his country in Okinawa and Viet Nam as a mechanic.

When he returned from the war he graduated from Hutch JUCO and then worked at the paper mill many years before being employed by the Hutchinson Correctional Facility as the Laundry Supervisor. He was a third generation employee as both his grandfather and father had worked there years before. He moved with his children to Sterling, KS, where he continued to work in Hutchinson and began driving the school bus for the Sterling school district for 28 years. In May 1982 he married Sue Graves Malone which brought two bonus sons to his family. In 2004 they moved to Hutchinson where Van drove the city bus for ARCAT and joined the Patriot Guard. After his wife retired they moved to Pratt, KS. He enjoyed his grandkids activities, writing many short stories having two published books, handing out Bible tracks, and attending Cunningham Christian Church.

Winton was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Donna Jean, Lloyd, Carol, Wayne, Joyce, and a set of stillborn twins. He is survived by his wife Sue, son Richard (Yvonne) VanMeter of Topeka, KS, daughter Christy (Dale) Donnelly, Hominy OK, daughter Stacey Horton, Pooler, GA, stepsons, Travis (Becky) Malone Virginia Beach, VA, Jeff (Arica) Malone, Pratt, KS, grandchildren, Taylor VanMeter, Brody VanMeter, Zach (Dusty) Hurd, Payton Hurd, Jacqueline (Nick) Bryant, Jake (Madison) Donnelly, Brady, Mirabelle and Cooper Malone, Noah and Dawson Malone and 10 great grandchildren, sister Mary Jinkaway, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at the Cunningham Christian Church. Burial will be in the Maud Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cunningham Christian Church and may be mailed to Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman KS 67068.