Burdett – Louis B. Van Meter, 86, died March 28, 2006 at the Larned Health Care, Larned, where he had resided since moving from his home in Burdett in January of 2005.

He was born June 15, 1919 at Burdett, the son of David N. and Sarah Jane Smith Gowdy Van Meter. A lifetime Burdett resident he retired after 26 years with Northern Natural Gas Company and Enron.

He was a member of the Mary C. Norris Methodist Church, Burdett, where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Lions Club 50 year member, American Legion Post 280, all of Burdett, past President and Board member of the Santa Fe Trail Association, Wet and Dry Routes of the Santa Fe Trail Association, Larned. He was a recipient of the prestigious "Silver Beaver Award" from the Boys Scouts of Americia and was a scoutmaster for 22 years. His scouting memorabilia is on display at the Central Scout Museum in Larned.

On January 1, 1945, he married Ella F. Fagen at Burdett. She survives.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Van Meter Dugan, infant brother Fredrick; two step-brothers, Loren, Henry Gowdy; and a step sister, Charlotte Gowdy Lewis.

Other survivors include: two sons, David L. Van Meter, and wife Brenda, Larned, John F. Van Meter, and wife Michelle, Newton, a daughter Jane A. Orton, and husband Robert, Gig Harbor, Washington; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mary C. Norris Methodist Church, Burdett with Pastor Mary Ohlmeier presiding. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned. Burial will be in the Browns Grove Cemetery, Burdett, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 280.

Memorials may be sent to the church or the Central States Scout Museum in care of Beckwith Mortuary, Inc. P.O. box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Condolences may be left and this notice viewed at www.beckwithmortuary.com