Kenneth VanMeterKenneth Albert VanMeter, 78, of Red Bud, Ill., formerly of Cahokia, Ill., born on Jan. 1, 1938 in Rockwood, Ill., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 at St. Anthony's Hospital surrounded by his loving family.Mr. VanMeter was a U.S. Air Force veteran stationed at McCoy Air force Base in Orlando, Fla. He graduated from Cahokia High School in 1957, and he retired in 1993 from Monsanto Chemical Co. in Sauget, Ill., where he worked as a fabrication mechanic. He was the president of the Illinois division of Winnebago Itaska Travelers Club and an avid hunter and NASCAR fan.He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles "Oley" and Myrtle, nee Tindall, VanMeter; and an infant sister, Bonnie VanMeter.Surviving are his wife, whom he met while serving his country, Esther VanMeter, nee Burwick; two children, Rendy (Kevin) Hahn of Waterloo, Ill., and Kenneth D. (Frankie) VanMeter of Dupo, Ill. two sisters, Linda Sharon (Dale) Bond of Pocahontas, Ill., and Pamela (Don) Huschle of Sunrise Beach, Mo.; two grandsons, Benjamin Hahn of Waterloo, Ill., and Jason (Darcy) Hahn of Lincoln, Neb.; two great-grandchildren, Lyla and Chandler Hahn. He was a dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to purchase a memorial bench in his honor. Online condolence's may be expressed at braunfh.com.Services: A celebration of life gathering will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at Waterloo Sportsman Club, Waterloo, Ill. (Please dress accordingly with the hunting season, if you wish.)Kenneth requested private cremation to be held.BRAUN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, Cahokia, Ill.