Ronald “Ron” Gene Van Meter

Ronald “Ron” Gene Van Meter, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the age of 82.  On November 21, 1941, Ron was born to parents Lorene and William “Bill” Van Meter in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Later, Ron was raised by his mother, Lorene King Morgan and stepfather O.H. “Hoyt” Morgan who was a great influence on his life. At age 17, Ron joined The United States Air Force as a fuel systems specialist in the strategic air command (SAC) and he played the piano.

After his service in the Air Force, Ron used his many skills to work in several different fields including hotel management, food and beverage management, GM of Midland Petroleum Club and Los Patios Restaurant of Midland.

In the early 80’s, Ron became the proud owner of Ron’s Engines in Midland where he specialized in engine restoration and completion.  He became passionate about hot rods and racing. This led him to a future of racing muscle cars, funny cars, dragsters and ultimately a jet dragster he named “Armageddon”. His dragster was one of only eighteen in the world. He traveled all over America doing exhibitions as well as Calgary, Canada and Mexico City, Mexico gaining a rank of fifth in the nation. He was quoted saying “I was never able to fly a jet, so I drove one instead”.

As his business grew, Ron added classic car restoration to his expansive list of services he offered. In addition, he was the founder and President of Permian Basin Auto Club (PBAC) where he and fellow car enthusiasts competed in car shows and won multiple Best in Show awards.

Ron was an avid golfer and enjoyed frequent rounds with his friends. He continued to entertain family and friends with his excellent piano playing even though he had no formal training and could not read music.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and sisters Shirley Graham and Mary Beth Witherspoon. Ron is survived by his wife Diana Van Meter; daughter Sherrie Parvino-Mock of Montgomery, TX; daughter Shelly Patterson of Midland, TX; son Miguel Galley of Gladwin, MI; daughter Leia Cunningham-Cobb of San Angelo, TX; son Shawn Van Meter of Midland, TX; son BJ Van Meter of Midland, TX; and son Nicholas Van Meter of Midland, TX as well as their extended families. He was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 am, Monday, October 7, 2024. A lunch gathering will follow next door at the Branch.  Inurnment will be at Ellis Resthaven Cemetery, 4616 N. Big Spring St. in Midland at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to San Angelo Support for Veterans Inc. c/o First Financial Bank- Lori Davis P O Box 5291 San Angelo, TX 86902-5291.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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