Marvin Van Metre

Marvin Earl Van Metre, 91, died on February 15, 2020 at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL. Marvin was born on November 25, 1928 in State Center, IA to Earl Taylor Van Metre & Marie (Cassidy) Van Metre, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dean Van Metre. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, B. Jean (nee LaRue). He is also survived by his children & their spouses, Kay & Bruce Plummer (Murray, KY), Bruce & Jo Van Metre (Eureka, OR), David & Suzanne Van Metre (Kennett Square, PA), Jill & Paul Stoffels (Glen Ellyn, IL) and Linda & John Wernz (West Union, IL); by his 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; by his sister, Dolores Dolley (Ames, IA); and by several nieces and nephews. Marvin was a 1946 graduate from Clemons, Iowa High School. He would then go on to earn a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Iowa State College. During college he was a member of a barbershop quartet that sang at many of the local establishments. This continued a lifelong love of music, and he returned to barbershop singing in 1974 as a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (then known as SPEBSQA) where he enjoyed singing in many quartets and choruses until 1989. Fresh from college, Marvin worked for the YMCA for over 23 years in various activities from driving buses for childrens' programs to the Executive Director of the Granite City, IL YMCA, becoming a certified YMCA professional. After retiring from the YMCA, he continued to use his association executive skills and became a Certified Association Executive (CAE) by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Marvin's final job was as the director of the Illinois Movers' and Warehousemen's Association in Springfield, IL. He served in this capacity for many years and following his retirement in 1989, Marvin was awarded a lifetime membership in ASAE. Marvin was an accomplished athlete, having played all the High School sports. His career with the YMCA gave him ready access to handball, racquetball, and basketball. As his children and his free time grew, he enjoyed playing golf and could proudly brag of a hole-in-one. Upon retirement, Marvin emulated his In-Law's love of full time RVing by selling their home and taking to the road for several years. He and Jean explored the country and looked up old friends. They finally settled in Haines City, Florida where they were active in the YMCA Retirees and the Haines City, FL Methodist Church. They spent many happy years in Florida until age and infirmity forced their move back to Illinois to be closer to family. Marvin will be greatly missed by his friends and family. A time of visitation will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22nd at Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Gillaspy officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Harmony Foundation International, the Barbershop Harmony Society's official charity that provides programs that foster a positive musical outreach (www.harmonyfoundation.org).