Mike Van Meter, Longtime Volunteer and Family Man, Passes Away at 74

Van Meter was a paratrooper, volunteer firefighter, and deputy constable who dedicated his life to service and his loved ones.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mike Van Meter, a longtime resident of West Orange, Texas, passed away on March 13, 2026 at the age of 74. Van Meter had a storied life of service, including stints in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, the Little Cypress Volunteer Fire Department, and as a Deputy Constable for Orange County Precinct One. He was also deeply devoted to his wife Theresa and their blended family of children and grandchildren.

Why it matters

Van Meter's life exemplifies the values of community service, family, and resilience in the face of adversity. His passing marks the end of an era for the close-knit West Orange community, where he was known and beloved for his generosity, humor, and unwavering commitment to those around him.

The details

Van Meter was born in 1951 in Orange, Texas to Ruby Fay Peveto and Uno Marion Aijala. After his parents' divorce, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, John William Van Meter, in Corpus Christi. He legally changed his name to Van Meter as a teenager. Van Meter served three years of active duty in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division before transitioning to the reserves for an additional three years. After his military service, he moved back to Orange County, where he became deeply involved in volunteer work. He was a longtime member of the Little Cypress Volunteer Fire Department and served as a Deputy Constable for over 20 years. In 1992, Van Meter married Theresa Ardoin, blending their families together. The couple was inseparable, with Van Meter even accompanying Theresa on fabric and craft shopping trips. Van Meter was also known for his generosity, often handing out Smarties candies to community members and attending Cove Baptist Church with Theresa.

  • Van Meter was born on April 15, 1951.
  • He joined the Army at age 17.
  • Van Meter and Theresa Ardoin married on January 3, 1992.
  • Van Meter passed away on March 13, 2026.

The players

Mike Van Meter

A 74-year-old resident of West Orange, Texas who had a storied life of service, including stints in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, the Little Cypress Volunteer Fire Department, and as a Deputy Constable for Orange County Precinct One.

Theresa Ardoin

Van Meter's wife of 34 years, with whom he blended their families together in 1992.

Ruby Fay Peveto

Van Meter's mother.

Uno Marion Aijala

Van Meter's biological father.

John William Van Meter

Van Meter's stepfather who raised him in Corpus Christi after his parents' divorce.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Theresa truly believes that God created the two of them for each other. They spent as much time as possible together, even so that Mike would go fabric and craft shopping with Theresa and give his expert opinion on colors, projects, etc. You very seldom saw one of them out and about without the other being right beside.”

— Theresa Ardoin, Van Meter's Wife

What’s next

Funeral services for Mike Van Meter will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Visitation will take place the previous evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the same location.

The takeaway

Mike Van Meter's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to service, family, and community. Even in the face of personal health challenges in his later years, he remained generous, joyful, and devoted to those around him. His passing is a profound loss for the West Orange community, but his legacy of selflessness and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew him.