Donald Edward "Bear" VanMeter , age 86, of Cabins, WV, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, WV. He was born on February 20, 1939, in Smoke Hole, WV, the son of the late Jacob Harrison and Zernie Alice (Alt) VanMeter. In July of 1960, Donald married Rosalie Virginia (Iman) VanMeter, who survives in Cabins.

Donald attended school in Smoke Hole and was a Christian by faith. He had worked for many years for Sties Excavating and had also worked as a truck driver and mechanic.

Donald enjoyed woodworking until his health would no longer permit. He had an infectious personality that allowed him to meet a lot of friends while driving truck. He never met a stranger and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Donald leaves behind to cherish his memory: 2 daughters, Donna Weese (Roy) of Maysville, WV, Beverly Feaster (James) of Burlington, WV; 4 sons, Ed VanMeter (Cheryl) of Cabins, WV, Jacob Lee VanMeter (Barbara) of Waco, TX, Mike VanMeter of Cabins, WV, Donald W. VanMeter of Purgitsville, WV; 2 sisters, Zadie Helmick of New Market, VA, Judy Helmick of Petersburg, WV; 8 Grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: 6 brothers, Calvin, Emmit, Archy, David, Ronnie, Coye; 1 sister, Evelyn Bargeron; and an infant great-granddaughter, Brylei.

Donald's family will receive friends on Monday, April 21, 2025, 5-7 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Petersburg, WV. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor DJ Taylor officiating. Interment will be in South Branch Valley Memorial Gardens, Petersburg, WV. Memorials may be made to the family, c/o Basagic Funeral Home, POB 400, Petersburg, WV 26847.