Birth date: Feb 6, 1938 Death date: Jan 29, 2023
John “Lee” Van Metre, Jr., age 84, of Lewes, DE, and formerly of Martinsburg, WV, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born on February 6, 1938, in Baltimore, MD, son of the late Dr. John L Read Obituary
continued: Sally and Patrick, I must have hit the wrong key. Lee was a major influence, mentor, and friend to me in so many ways as we joined the M'burg community back in 1985. And you, Sally were right there with him in so many great times as well. I know many others will say the same. I will hope to contact you early this week. Thinking of you, and wishing you that famous "peace of all understanding" during these next weeks and months. Pete and Betty Mulford.
Sending love and heart felt sympathy to Sally and family. Tom and are are so sorry to hear of his departure. He was a good neighbor and friend. Louise and Tom
So sorry to hear of Mr. Van Metre's passing. He was a lovely gentleman and I enjoyed my time of employment at Avey & Steptoe. Grace and peace to Sally and all of his family. Sherrie Morrison Johnson
I am only a recent (4 years) friend of Lee but in that short time I became both a friend and admirer of Lee. His wisdom, always tempered with humor and valuable insights, was something to behold. His passing is loss not only for me and our coffee group, but also all those who he knew. Rest comfortably Lee.
Bill Miller MD
So sorry to learn of the passing of Lee. He was always such a kind man and an honor to his profession.
The Janes family (Paula,Greg, Brad and Cathy) is so sorry to hear of Lee's passing. When Lee took my brother Brad and I on as clients years ago he was handling pretty big businesses, so I ask him why he took his time with us little guys. Lee looked at us and said I have clients who become friends and I have friends who have become clients. You two fit the second category. Such a wonderful attorney and kind human being. We will miss him greatly. Hugs and prayers to Sally, Patrick and family
Demi and I are sorry to hear of the passing of Lee who was my mentor and hired me away from my law office over a drug store around 1976. He trained and mentored me to be a real estate lawyer for a number of years with his partners, Bob Steptoe and Guy Avey. Who could be so lucky. Lee was the guiding light of planned unit subdivisions in Berkeley County, West Virginia and a guiding light for me always as we melded later into being members of Steptoe & Johnson. Lee was always the lawyer's lawyer. I remember, and still laugh about, the year our sons, Chris(Khris) and Patrick graduated from High School, quite a year for both of them. Lots of memories, too many to relate. Our deepest sympathies to Sally and Patrick who were also the best of our memories from Martinsburg, WV for many years. Long time passing. Lee, we salute you and wish you fair winds and following seas. Lucien and Demi
I want to give my sincerest condolences to Sally, Patrick and the rest of the family. Mr. Van Metre made a huge impact on me and my success with being a real estate paralegal. I looked up to him with the highest of respect and he taught me so much. I was young and stubborn when he first hired me back in 1988, and we had our disagreements, but I will never forget how he hired me back that second time without hesitation and how truly special that made me feel. I tried to find him on social media on his birthday a few times but I couldn't. I never forgot his Birthday because it was only 6 days after mine. Whenever I mentioned that I worked for him it seemed everyone knew him and thought very highly of him. I will be forever grateful for working for him and knowing him. He was a great boss. He will be missed by many. Prayers for the family. Susan (Mckee) Hall
