Benjamin F. Van Meter, Jr., age 83, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2009 in Arcadia. He was born September 4, 1925 in Lakeland, FL. He moved from Lakeland to become a Desoto resident as a young boy. Ben was of the Methodist faith and active member of Pine Level United Methodist Church. Ben served our Country loyally for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He served during WW II in the Pacific on the USS Waterman a Destroyer Escort. He was a 32 Degree Mason and a member of the Peace River Masonic Lodge No 66, Arcadia, American Legion Post K-11, Arcadia. Ben loved Big Band music, playing golf with friends, and was an avid football fan, cheering for the Tampa Bay Buc s and the UOF Gators. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Martha A. Coker, of Arcadia, FL., two daughters, Linda C. (Edward) Crowe, of Pensacola, FL and Cynthia A. (Eugene Bucky ) Waldron, of Arcadia, Fl., five grandsons, Patrick Crowe, Sanford, NC, Benjamin F. Crowe, Perry, Fl., Derek Crowe, Pensacola, FL., Jason Fitzpatrick, Athens, Ga and Ryan Fitzpatrick of St Petersburg, FL., four great grand children ,Kelsey, Reed, Cole, and Will Fitzpatrick. Ben was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin F. and Corinne Whidden Van Meter, Sr. and a sister Joanna Van Meter. A Memorial Service and a Celebration of Benjamin s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 4, 2009 at the Pine Level United Methodist Church, 9596 NW Pine Level St., Arcadia. Officiating will be Dr. Odel Miley. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Cemetery, Lakeland, Fl. In lieu of flowers the family request donation in Ben s name to the Florida United Methodist Children s Home, 51 Main St., Enterprise, FL. 32725 or Florida Sheriff s Youth Ranch, P.O. Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL. 32064-9984 Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.