Dennis Wayne Van Metre

Dennis Wayne Van Metre, 60, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away on June 8, 2024, at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Dennis was born on November 16, 1963, in Beaumont, Texas, to Jack and Jean Van Metre. He graduated as Salutatorian from Vidor High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Lamar University.

Dennis was the Chief Information Officer for Vinson & Elkins, LLP. He joined V&E in 1990 as an Applications Specialist, marking the start of a career with V&E that was filled with incredible accomplishments. Dennis’ unceasing passion for technology and its practical application to law progressed over those 34 years. He became the Chief Information Officer in 2010 and served in that role with great distinction.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dennis embraced life with intensity. An avid Astros fan and fantasy football fanatic, he approached every endeavor as a fierce competitor. Whether strategizing in a chess match, playing a game of Risk, competing across the miles at Wordle, or engaging in a brutal card game, Dennis thrived on the thrill of competition. He also had a great love for Tesla cars. From the moment they first hit the market, Dennis relished sharing their features and taking others for a ride in his car.

Those who knew Dennis know he was a family man. As the oldest son but fourth child in a family of four sisters and one brother, Dennis became the convener of family get-togethers. Whether it was at the beach, at the lake, or the Christmas Family White Elephant party, Dennis was the key family organizer. He always wanted to make sure the family stayed grounded and connected. He never missed a family event, be it weddings, graduations, birthday parties, or even just hanging out with the family.

Those closest to Dennis know he was a compassionate man with an unwavering commitment to eliminating hunger, especially among children. His personal experiences fueled his continual efforts to ensure that no child would go to bed hungry.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Jean Van Metre, and his sisters, Wendy Smith-Rollings, and Paula Nesbitt. He is survived by his siblings, Pam Hawkins (Lee), Wanda Felty (Rick), and Derek Van Metre (Anna). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Johnny Baker (Misty), Lee Hawkins (Kristy), Connie Baker, Joshua Smith, Kellie Freeman (Jeff), Rusty Eaves (Kayla), Chris Nesbitt (Kahlyn), Candie Thompson (Cory), Kayla White, Kerrie White, Ellis Felty, Dylan Van Metre, and Morgan Van Metre, along with 24 great-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to The Houston Food Bank.

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/InMemory/DennisVanMetre

A memorial service for Dennis will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, Texas 77384.