Despite frequent CTAF position and intention reports inbound; the pilot of a PA28 while about 200 AGL came nose to nose with an aircraft departing opposite direction from the active runway. There had been no CTAF transmissions from the departure aircraft.

Narrative

While enroute for fuel I listened to the automated weather report for my airport of intended landing about seven miles away. Established on the 45 and five miles away; I reported over CTAF that I was on the 45 for a landing on Runway 36. At midfield I turned onto the left downwind and reported joining the downwind.At this time I did not have a visual on any departing aircraft nor had I heard a radio call. I turned onto the base leg for Runway 36 and made another position report. At this time I heard another aircraft joining the 45 degree entry to the downwind for 36; however I still had no visual on any departing aircraft nor had I heard a radio call. I turned final and at about 200 FT AGL I spotted another aircraft heading directly towards me. I immediately initiated a steep turn to the left and began a climb. It did not appear that the departing aircraft initiated evasive maneuvers. I rejoined the left downwind in front of another aircraft joining the left downwind for 36. After the near miss the departing aircraft left the area. At no point during the incident did I hear any radio calls from the departing aircraft and I'm unsure whether or not the other aircraft ever saw me. Witnesses on the ground noted that the departing aircraft had taxied onto the runway without stopping to look. They also mentioned hearing my radio calls and not hearing anything from him.