Walter Harris

Walter “Walt” Harris, 89, of Van Wert, died at 2:55 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

He was born July 3, 1923, in Continental, the son of the late Orrin C. and Marguerite (Shisler) Harris. On April 5, 1947, he married Eileen (Shepherd) Harris, who preceded him in death.

Survivors include two children, Charles A. (Nina) Harris of Mount Victory and Paul E. (Susan) Harris of Union Springs, N.Y.; a brother, Richard Harris of Continental; two sisters, Helen Williams of Oakwood and Shirley Hoelrich of Holgate; and a granddaughter, Kristin (fiancé Brian Evans) Harris.

Mr. Harris retired after years as a claims supervisor at Central Mutual Insurance Company in Van Wert. He was also a former Van Wert County school teacher and coach for 12 years.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert and a past president of the church’s men’s group, a life member of American Legion Post 178, a life member of Elks Lodge 1197, a life member of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, a life member of the Indiana University Alumni Association, a highly decorated veteran of the U.S. Army who served during World War II, a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a life member of the 17th Airborne Division Association, a former Van Wert Lions Club member, a former Boy Scout officer, a member of the Central Mutual Quarter Century Club, a member of the Lima Run ‘N’ Jog Club, a member of the Van Wert YMCA, a past president of the Lima Adjusters Association and a life member of the Van Wert County Historical Society.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.

There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Walter & Eileen Harris Scholarship Fund, through The Van Wert County Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.