Regina Van Meter

Regina (Jean) Gropp Van Meter, 95, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2009, at the Carmel Home. Born in Owensboro on August 7, 1914, she was the daughter of Peter C. and Cloa (Hazel) Gropp. She graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy. Mrs. Van Meter was preceded in death by her husband Leslie E. ("Coach Van") Van Meter in 1978. Together, they were the proprietors of the Dugout Drive-In restaurant that opened in 1946 and later became Dugout Liquors before being sold in 1983 when Mrs. Van Meter retired. The couple married in 1940 and lived in Canyon, Texas, where her husband coached college football at West Texas State Teachers College. Shortly after World War II, they moved back to Owensboro and opened the restaurant. Mrs. Van Meter enjoyed her friends, traveling, and all sports, especially UK football and basketball. She was a charter member of Blessed Mother Parish.

Surviving are four sons: Leslie "Buzz" (Patsy) Van Meter of Owensboro, Doug (Barbara) Van Meter of Louisville, William "Chip" (Mary) Van Meter of Naples, FL and John (Susan) Van Meter of Celebration, FL; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 2 special nieces, Cloa Thompson and June Johnson.

Services are at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Blessed Mother Catholic Church, with the Rev. John Meredith officiating, followed by burial in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8:00 p.m. Tuesday and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory where Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303 or Blessed Mother Catholic Church, 601 East 23rd Street, Owensboro, KY 42303.