Merle E. Van Meter

Merle E. Van Meter, of Ft. Morgan, died Sat. Oct. 15, 2011 in Longmont, CO. He was 82 years old.He was born February 28, 1929 in Avondale, CO to Basil and Dorothy (Harbour) Van Meter.On December 15, 1949 Merle married (Adalee) Faye Watts.He joined the United States Army on June 26, 1953, was discharged to the Army Reserves on May 25, 1955 and Honorably Discharged on June 25, 1961.Merle had a long career as a cowboy, working ranches and feedlots, mostly in Colorado. He also spent several years working at the Great Western Sugar factory in Ft. Morgan.His love for horses was only overshadowed by his love and devotion to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a rodeo cowboy, participating in the team roping competition. Merle traveled with his children to many rodeos and sporting events in which they participated. He was a member of the Fort Morgan Saddle Club.He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, seven brothers, one child and one great- grandchild.Merle is survived by six children Ronnie, LuAnn, Merlene, Melvin, Lonnie and Lorie; eighteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.Visitation will be from Noon to 1pm, with a funeral service to follow beginning at 1pm on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 at the Heer & Dahl Mortuary, Ft. Morgan. Interment at Memory Garden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the HospiceCare of Boulder & Broomfield Counties and mailed in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel.