Dennis Wayne Van Metre

Dennis Wayne Van Metre, 60, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away June 8, 2024, at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston Texas. Dennis was born November 16, 1963, in Beaumont Texas to Jack and Jean Van Metre. He graduated from Vidor High School as Salutatorian and then later from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Dennis was the Chief Information Officer for Vinson & Elkins, LLP. He joined V&E in 1990 as an Applications Specialist, which was the start of a career with V&E that was marked by incredible accomplishment. Dennis’ unceasing passion for technology and its practical application to law progressed over those 34 years. Dennis became the Chief Information Officer in 2010 and served in that role with great distinction.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dennis embraced life with intensity. An avid Astros fan and fantasy football fanatic, he approached every endeavor as a fierce competitor. Whether strategizing in a chess match, playing a game of Risk, competing across the miles at Wordle, or engaging in a brutal card game, Dennis thrived on the thrill of competition. He also had a great love for Tesla cars which began when they first hit the market, Dennis relished sharing their features and taking others for a ride in his car.

Those who know Dennis, knows he was a family man. He was a central part of his family’s life. The oldest son but forth child in a family of four sisters and one brother, Dennis became the convener of family get togethers. Whether it was at the beach, at the lake or the Christmas Family White Elephant party, Dennis was the key family organizer. He always wanted to make sure the family stayed grounded and connected. He never missed a family event, weddings, graduations, birthday parties, or even just hanging out with the family, Dennis was there.

Those closest to Dennis know he was a compassionate man with an unwavering commitment to eliminating hunger, especially among children. His personal experiences fueled his continual efforts to ensure that no child would go to bed hungry.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Jean Van Metre, his sisters Wendy Smith- Rollings, and Paula Nesbitt. He is survived by his siblings, Pam Hawkins (Lee), Wanda Felty (Rick) and Derek Van Metre (Anna). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Johnny Baker (Misty), Lee Hawkins (Kristy), Connie Baker, Joshua Smith, Kellie Freeman (Jeff), Rusty Eaves (Kayla), Chris Nesbitt (Kahlyn), Candie Thompson (Cory), Kayla White, Kerrie White, Ellis Felty, Dylan Van Metre and Morgan Van Metre, along with 24 great nieces and nephews.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to The Houston Food Bank.

Text InMemory62 to 71777

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