Linda Marie Vanmeter

Linda Marie VanMeter, 82, of Kilgore, TX, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loved ones on September 18th, 2024.

Linda was born on May 30th, 1942 to F.E. and Bertha VanMeter in Kilgore, TX.  She graduated from Sabine High School in 1960 and later went on to earn a Bachelor’s and two Master’s Degrees in education, counseling and kinesiology.

Linda’s career as a Licensed Professional Counselor and coach was dedicated to supporting students and helping them grow. Her love of sports and athleticism made her an excellent coach. She was an avid animal lover, conservationist and was passionate about all things nature. She was a world traveler who was always ready for adventure. She accomplished so much during her life but she would say that the time she was most proud of were the years that she and Ella spent on their ranch in Kempner, TX, raising cattle. She was a true cowgirl and loved to be outside. In her later years, she read hundreds of books, enjoyed bird watching and going to the movies. She had an abundance of incredible life stories and was glad to retell them to anyone willing to listen. She was feisty and brilliant and will be missed terribly.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Charlie, Frank, Gene and Joe T. VanMeter Sr., and nephew Charlie “Buddy” VanMeter, as well as her lifelong best friend, Ella Teague. Left to cherish her memory are her nieces, Kalli VanMeter, Paige VanMeter and Mallory Ford, Tatum VanMeter Fuller and husband, Nolan, Becca VanMeter and Kelly Beck, Annie Truitt and husband, Steven, Judy VanMeter, Charlotte Gill, and Debbie Smith and husband Bob; her nephews, Joe T. VanMeter Jr., Jimmy VanMeter and wife, Sherri, Steve VanMeter and wife Donna, and Kirby Teague and wife, Stephanie. She is also survived by many other great nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her beloved dog, Hallie.

In lieu of flower arrangements, please consider making a donation in Linda’s name to Sea Turtles Inc. or the Save the Manatees Club.

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