Obituaries can be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com. The Van Wert independent no longer accepts no-cost death notices. As of October 1, 2023, the cost of full obituaries will be $95 (including a photo). Local funeral homes are billed for full obituaries, while out-of-town funeral homes can also be billed, if so requested. Obituaries submitted by individuals must be paid in full prior to publication. The Van Wert independent accepts credit cards by telephone from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at 419.238.1220.
POSTED: 12/28/10 at 3:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Info
John D. McVay, 78, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
John was born on June 18, 1948 in Greenville. He was the son and second child of the Clarence E. McVay and Frances E. (Kline) McVay, who both preceded him in death.
John was a wonderful son, nephew, brother and friend. He was raised in Van Wert. He graduated from Van Wert High School in 1966 and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a BA and MA in mathematics.
He started working for Federal Mogul in Van Wert at the National Seal Plant in 1973 as a computer programmer. John worked for Federal Mogul until 1998. He worked in Van Wert, Southfield, Michigan; Salina, Kansas; Logansport, Indiana and Wiesbaden, Germany. He worked in Southfield, Michigan as the Sealing Group I.T Director and was the I.T. Director working with Gylco to implement SAP (computer software) in Wiesbaden, Germany.
John returned to Van Wert in 2000 to care for his mother until her death in 2003 and his Aunt Louise until her death in 2011.
When he moved back to Van Wert, he also worked part-time at Walmart and did substitute teaching until 2005. John started playing the violin in 2012 and joined the Grand Lake Symphony Orchestra in 2016 as a second violinist. He served the community for many years as a poll worker in Van Wert precincts and also Van Wert County precincts in Delphos. John was a member of the Van Wert County Republican Central Committee and just won re-election in this year’s May primary.
He is survived by his sister, Susan McVay of Van Wert and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Louise Worthington.
Funeral services for John will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, at the First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert with Rev. J. H. Vanlan Hruaia officiating. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. at Greenville Union Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation will be at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, from 3-7 p.m. Monday, September 28.
In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/21/26 at 1:14 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
James F. Kennedy, 76, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Born on October 6, 1949, in Van Wert, Jim lived a life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections, spending most of his years in Middle Point.
Jim worked as an HR Manager at Kennedy Manufacturing, where he was well‑known and deeply respected. His warm personality and natural people skills made him a steady source of guidance and support, earning the trust and admiration of his coworkers.
A devoted family man, Jim cherished his wife, Ramona, and took immense pride in raising his children, Sean, Kimberly, and Blake. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he delighted in every moment spent with them. Known for his strength, humor, and unwavering dedication to protecting those he loved, Jim’s laughter was infectious and his adventurous spirit unmistakable. In his earlier years,
Jim enjoyed reading, hunting and fishing, embracing the outdoors with enthusiasm. More recently, he found joy in tackling DIY home projects, and occasionally belting out a Neil Diamond tune. To all who knew him, Jim was simply an awesome man, someone who brought happiness, comfort, and genuine kindness wherever he went.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife, Ramona, of Middle Point; his children, Kimberly (Bill) Witherow of Springfield, Ohio; Sean (Jennifer) Kennedy of Van Wert; and Blake Edward (Mario) Kennedy of San Jose, California; his stepsons: Scott (Nadine) Lautzenheiser of Washington, Illinois, and Sean (Tracie) Lautzenheiser of Woodburn, Indiana; his brother, Pat Kennedy, of Wisconsin; his brother‑in‑law, Tom Lautzenheiser, of Van Wert, and the mother of his children, Deb Wyandt. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jacob, Joel, James, Jonathan, Jillian, Joshua, and Jessalyn Witherow; Allison, Drew and Emma (Carlee) Kennedy; Levi and Liam Lautzenheiser, along with a multitude of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and LuVerne Kennedy; his brother, Charles Kennedy III; his sister, Nancy Lautzenheiser, and his sister‑in‑law, Jane Kennedy.
James will be laid to rest in Ridge Cemetery following a private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made in Jim’s name to the Middle Point Fire & EMS.
Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.
Condolences may be shared at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/20/26 at 5:30 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
William “Bill” Noble Greene, Jr., 77, passed away at his residence on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in Convoy.
Bill was born on April 13, 1949, in Hamilton, Indiana, to William Noble and Mary Pauline Greene. He built a fulfilling career as a fire prevention/code officer at the Van Wert Fire Department, where he was known for his dedication and work ethic for 27 years.
Outside of work, Bill was a man of many passions. He spent his free time hunting, fishing and practicing his skills in taxidermy. Bill also enjoyed making custom fishing rods that supported his passion for fishing.
Bill is survived by his son, Chip Greene and stepdaughter, Christine Piper.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Greene; his parents, William Noble Greene, Sr. and Mary Pauline Greene, and his sister Marcina Ann Schrader.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Van Wert Fire Department.
POSTED: 09/16/26 at 1:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Leah Lynn Lichtenberger, 58, of Millersburg, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 5, 2026, alongside her devoted partner of 26 years, Lowell Penner.
Born on October 14, 1967, in Decatur, Indiana, Leah was the daughter of the Carl and Annabelle (Shaffer) Lichtenberger, who both preceded her in death.
She graduated from Adams Central High School and attended Goshen College. After traveling to Germany, she fell in love with the language and culture, weaving that passion into her everyday life.
Leah lived life at full throttle as a fierce, unbridled spirit with a deep reverence for the earth and a profound belief in serendipity. She poured real heart and passion into the work she loved over the years, though no single title could ever define her as she always prioritized living life to its absolute fullest. She was a traveler at heart who loved exploring, whether hiking quiet trails, riding the rails, or hitting the open road on her Harley. She found endless wonder in nature, marveling at storms, sunsets, eclipses, and rainbows, often declaring them simply “gorgeous”.
A true cheerleader for the underdog and a welcoming voice to strangers, Leah made everyone around her feel cherished. She loved animals deeply, turning her life into a quiet sanctuary for dozens of dogs, cats, orphaned raccoons, and even an injured deer. Out of profound respect for every living creature, she lived as a committed vegan. Among her many talents, Leah was a gifted baker whose legendary freshly baked bread was generously shared with anyone lucky enough to sit at her table. When she wasn’t on the move, you could find her tending her garden, lost in a fantasy book, or taking a long soak in her clawfoot tub, always surrounded by her critters.
Leah is survived by her sister, Rebecca (Terry) Reichard; her brothers, Timothy (MaryAnn) Lichtenberger, Mark Lichtenberger, and Jonathan (Shareen) Lichtenberger; her nieces, Holly (Andrew) Ulrey, Lauren (Dalton) Brazell, and Amber (Christopher) Hoggard; her grand-nephews and grand-nieces: Cole Ulrey, Finley and Indigo Brazell, Addison Hoggard; and Trae (Derek) Church and Breana (fiance Ryan Specht) Penner, who held her dear as their stepmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Annabelle Lichtenberger; her niece, Lydia Rose Lichtenberger, and her nephew, Timothy Brite.
A time of visitation will be held from 12-4 p.m. Saturday, September 26, in the College Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall, Goshen, followed by a celebration of life at 5 p.m. at The Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge, Syracuse, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to Tunnel2Towers (T2T) or Veteran’s Senior Living and Care Home in West Lafayette.
POSTED: 09/14/26 at 12:08 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Juanita J. Wurster Wise entered her new eternal life with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, September 11, 2026. Our Lord has said “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” Juanita is at rest with no more pain and singing and rejoicing with Jesus in her heavenly home.
She was born in Celina on August 29, 1932, to Dale and Thelma Wurster, who are already celebrating with her. On September 16, 1951, she married Thomas A. Wise, who preceded her in death.
She graduated from Celina High School in 1950. Music was a great part of her life. She sang solos in school, on radio and at many churches for over 70 years. She was a member of Trinity Friends Church, Van Wert.
Juanita is survived by a precious daughter, Michele (Steven) Mendenhall of Van Wert. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Tracy and Scott; two great grandchildren, Victoria and Kristopher, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Juanita was preceded in death by a daughter, Renee Cryer, and three brothers, Glen, Wayne and John Wurster.
A funeral service for Juanita will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17, at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St, Van Wert, with Pastor Roger Peugh, officiating. Viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Van Wert Humane Society or to Hope for Animals, Fort Wayne.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 09/14/26 at 12:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Mary C. (Moore) Turner, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, who left this world peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the age of 68.
Mary was born on June 21, 1958, in Lexington, Kentucky to Richard Sr. and Mary (James) Moore.
Mary will be remembered fondly for her immense love for her family and friends, often expressed through her passion for cooking. A devoted member of the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Mary found great joy and strength in her faith and community.
She is survived by her loving family – her mother, Mary Moore of Van Wert; brothers Raymond (Sylvia) Moore of Van Wert, Michael Moore of Warsaw, Indiana, and Tyrone (Debra) Moore of Fort Wayne, and sister, Shari (Steven) Darnell of Van Wert. Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews; an aunt, Clara Jones, and close friends Sharon Steadman, Kim Moore and Jessie Dunbar.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, Richard Moore, Sr; a brother, Richard Moore, Jr; and a sister, Sharlene Moore.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
POSTED: 09/10/26 at 4:23 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Glenn E. McClure, 97, of Convoy, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Homestead at Towne Center in Van Wert.
He was born July 31, 1929, in Van Wert, to Roy T. and Ora E. (Mathews) McClure, who both preceded him in death. On November 24, 1951, Glenn married the former Jean Albrecht, who preceded him in death on May 31, 2015.
Glenn was proud of his military service in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he returned to Convoy and resumed his work as a farmer. He was a member and lay delegate of the former Union Center Church in Convoy, where he also served as choir director.
Glenn later became a member of Convoy United Methodist Church, now Convoy Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and as chairman of the Board. He was also a member of the church bowling league. Known for his meticulous nature, Glenn brought that same attention to detail to the bowling lanes, where he bowled a perfect 300 game, an achievement still recognized at Olympic Lanes.
Glenn was a former member of the Scott Lions Club, where he served as a trustee. He was also a past trustee of the Ohio Flying Farmers, serving in that capacity for more than 15 years. He served as president and was honored as the organization’s “Man of the Year.” Glenn also served as a Union Township trustee for many years.
A longtime member of Farm Focus, Glenn belonged to the organization for more than 25 years and served as its secretary. He was also a past president of the Van Wert County Regional Airport Authority.
Glenn will be lovingly remembered by his children, John (Marvelene Springer) McClure of New Holland, Pennsylvania; Cathy McClure of Convoy, and James “Jim” (Yvonne Scher) McClure of Convoy; his sister, Betty Hessel of Van Wert; six grandchildren, Steve, Laurie, Angela, Kristin, Kayla, and Keri; and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife, Jean, Glenn was preceded in death by his brother, Maurice McClure, and Maurice’s wife, Marguerite, as well as his brother-in-law, George Hessel.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 12, at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, Convoy, with Pastor Bill Thomas officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Glenn’s memory to Convoy Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/10/26 at 1:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Sheila Marie Collins, 40, of Van Wert, passed away Sunday morning, September 6, 2026, at Parkview Hospice in Fort Wayne.
She was born June 16, 1986, in Lima, to Michael F. Collins and Jeni (Jewett) Miller. On October 18, 2014, she married Tyler J. Kreischer.
Sheila attended the Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marion Technical College with a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. Sheila worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician at Paulding County Hospital.
Sheila’s sons were her top priority. She loved being a mom to Jack and Wesley more than anything.
She is survived by her husband, Tyler; two sons, Jack Michael Kreischer and Wesley Michael Kreischer; her mother, Jeni Miller; paternal grandmother, Wileta Collins; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Sheila was preceded in death by her father, Michael F. Collins.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burial will take place in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Jack and Wesley, in care of Tyler Kreischer.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 09/09/26 at 3:31 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Connie L. DuVall, 86, was welcomed home to heaven on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
She was born on September 12, 1939, in Jackson Township, Ohio, the middle daughter of Franklin Russell Poling and Winona Vesta (Anderson) Poling, who both preceded her in death.
Connie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (Grammy) and great-grandma.
She was raised in Northern Ohio, graduating from Hoaglin-Jackson High School in 1957. After graduation, she begin working at Central Mutual Insurance Company, until she met the love of her life, Larry E. DuVall. Connie and Larry met while cruising Van Wert with friends. On February 15, 1959, they married and that same year welcomed their first child, Denise Kay, in December. They welcomed their second child, Gregory Eugene, in 1963. They created a steadfast love, raising a family and instilling the values of a God-filled home.
Connie was always a partner to Larry both as a spouse and on the farm. While raising her family, she was also dedicated to serving in the church. She sang in the church choir and taught a young married class and a kindergarten Sunday School class for several years. After her kids started school, Connie worked for Calvary Evangelical Nursery School as a teacher for the 5-year olds. When her kids were both in high school, Connie went to work for Vantage Vocational School as the cafeteria manager. After several years, she began working as the office manager for the county school board.
Connie and Larry enjoyed traveling to Florida and visiting relatives and friends. In April 1999, they semi-retired in Florida, continuing to live in Ohio half the year and Florida the other half. She loved to take bus trips, traveling to numerous destinations, such as the Canadian Rockies, Prince Edward Island, New York City and Mackinaw Island. Both Connie and Larry loved going on these trips and made many new and lasting friends. Connie was blessed to have wonderful friends in both Ohio and Florida. She was very active in both her Ohio and Florida churches and had a gift of bringing people together and organizing many “fun” activities for fellow Christians. She was an enthusiastic Ohio State Buckeyes football fan and enjoyed watching the games and discussing each game with her son and granddaughters.
In addition to her parents and step-dad, Kenneth Edwards, Connie was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Berryman and brother-in-laws, Marlin Gehres and Terry Berryman.
She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Larry; children, Denise Huber (Michael “Mick”) of Glen Rose, Texas, and Greg DuVall (Tammy) of Fort Wayne; granddaughters, Megan Shamo (Brad) and Madelyn Speakman (Derek) of Fort Wayne; great grandchildren, Oliver and Hazel Mae Shamo and Theodore and Eloise Speakman all of Fort Wayne; step-great grandchildren, Kendal, Tucker, Lucas and Henry Iley of Glen Rose, Texas; her sisters, Carolyn Gehres of Wren, OH and step-brother, Franklin “Burt” Edwards (Grace) of Van Wert, along with extended family.
Connie will be remembered for her kindness and helping others. Larry will always remember “all the fun times we had together. She was wonderful partner.”
Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, at Grace Bible Church, 603 Airport Avenue, Van Wert, with a celebration of life service immediately following at 11 a.m. A lunch will be provided in the fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the Grace Bible Church or CHP Hospice in Connie’s memory.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/07/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Bonita Adileen Myers of Convoy went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Bonita was born at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1933, to Wesley and Ica (Matthews) Custer. She grew up on the family farm outside of Rockford along with older sister Josephine and younger twin sister Bonnie.
After graduating from Rockford High School in 1952, she served as the school secretary prior to moving to Convoy to start her family after marrying Lester W Myers on June 14, 1958.
She is survived by daughter Karen and son David (Robin) both of Convoy, sister-in-law Beverly Marsee and eight nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, brothers-in-law; Robert Muhlenkamp, William Ehrsam, Fred Marsee and her beloved husband Lester.
Throughout the years, she spoke fondly of the memories of the students and staff she met during her time as secretary at the Rockford school. Along with memories of attendance at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Rockford and Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy, Bonita had accepted the gift of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ and was looking forward to reuniting with loved ones.
Private services are planned. Honoring Lester and Bonita’s wishes, they will be interred together in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview Heritage Board.
Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
Condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/06/26 at 3:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
