Stanley Andrew Van Meter, Sr., 87, of Orland was born May 12, 1931 in Riverside, CA to Sturline and Anna May Van Meter. He passed away on January 4, 2019 at Enloe Hospital in Chico. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Following a private burial, a celebration of life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Orland, on Friday, January 18, 2019, at 11:00 AM. All who wish to attend are welcome.

He attended elementary and high school in Corning, CA before meeting and marrying Gladys Wikoff on November 6, 1948. In the early years he served with the National Guard and worked as a minor/shift boss in dam, tunnel and Bart construction. In 1966 they bought the Wikoff family farm and moved back to Orland, CA. Later he worked as a mechanic/supervisor at Gates Tractor in Willows, an equipment and farming foreman for Circle B Farms, and then worked for Myers and Son Construction.

Stan loved to fish and hunt, spend time with friends and family, and reading his beloved westerns. He also especially enjoyed his morning coffee shop trips, afternoon board games with Gladys, and excursions to the casino.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Gladys of Orland; son Stanley "Buster" (Joanne) of Orland; daughters Jennifer Ponciano of Orland, Martha (Thomas) Hagan of Anderson, SC and Betty (Dean) Hutchens of Orland; and also a sister Roberta Merkle of Redding, CA. He was proud to be called grandpa, great-grandpa, and great-great-grandpa to numerous "grand" blessings as well as uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sturline and Anna Van Meter and brothers John and Lester.

Contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice.