David Ure Van Metre

David Ure Van Metre

Mount Vernon

David Ure Van Metre passed away peacefully in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 11, 2023, after a long and valiant cancer battle.

Dave was born in Iowa City in 1937. He grew up in Mount Vernon, Iowa. His father Douglas was a banker, and his mother Mary was a homemaker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Douglas, his wife, Carol and his son, David (Bo). He is survived by his son, Jim, his wife Stacey, daughter-in-law Robin, and four grandchildren, Lindsey, Jimmy, Aaron, and Joe, whom he loved hearing the adventures of. Dave is also survived by three nephews and their families whom he adored.

When Dave was 15, his father died. Dave went to Lake Forest Academy to finish high school. He was a naturally gifted athlete who excelled in multiple sports there, as well as acting in several school plays. He graduated in 1955. At Colorado College, Dave met his future wife Carol when he was talking in the library and she told him to quiet down. Carol noticed Dave had a Sports Illustrated tucked inside his textbook. Dave was a standout football team member and was an All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tight end. Dave was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1959.

Dave entered the Army after football and served at Fort Benning in Georgia.

Dave and Carol moved to Omaha in 1968 and Dave went into the municipal bond business. He had a long career at Chiles, Heider, and Co. in Omaha. Dave was also involved in Travel and Transport, a travel agency.

After his business career he took great pride in working to upgrade the fitness facilities and athletic venues of various schools and community centers, both in Omaha and Mount Vernon. He organized efforts for weight training rooms, softball and baseball fields, and soccer and football stadiums. He and his wife Carol particularly made efforts to improve facilities in underserved communities. His efforts earned him membership in the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Dave had a lifelong passion for fitness and its benefits for overall health. He was a regular at the Downtown Omaha YMCA. He ran the New York, Twin Cities, and Los Angeles marathons. Later in life he was an avid Pilates practitioner, usually taking his dog with him.

Dave was kind, fair, and generous. He was a joy to sit and chat with. He loved to laugh, particularly at himself.

Dave led a satisfying life, full of good deeds. He met and stayed in contact with many lifelong friends along the way. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service may be planned for later this summer. In lieu of flowers, Dave would have appreciated a tree or greenery be planted in his memory, or alternatively a donation to a local Boys & Girls Club of America.

Please share your support and memories with Dave’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.