Lee J. Lare

Lee J. Lare, 94, of Venedocia, died at 3:42 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born August 2, 1921, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Ray Elbert and Nora Lee (Barker) Lare, who both preceded him in death. On July 12, 1944, he married the former Marcile Millisor, who died April 15, 1998.

Family survivors include two daughters, Marilyn (Doug) Strickler and Gloria Leiter, both of Venedocia; seven grandchildren, April (Brian) Ellerbrock, Todd (Lisa) Wallace, Stepheanie Beck, Christopher Beck, Ryan (Becca) Strickler, David Beck, and Deena (Ryan) Beacher; and seven great-grandchildren, Dillon, Dalton, Bailee, Emma, Ryan, Briggs, and Addison.

A granddaughter, Christy Decker; one brother, Cloyd E. Lare; a sister, Helena Marie Weaver; and a son-in-law, Michael McClellan Leiter, also preceded him in death.

Lee was postmaster at the Venedocia Post Office for more than 20 years, and was the last Venedocia postmaster to receive a presidential appointment. Previously, he had worked as parts manager for several automobile dealerships. He was a member of Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia, where he was a chorister for many years.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Sampson, and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with 30 years of service.

He served on Venedocia Village Council and as village clerk-treasurer. He was on the Van Wert County Hospital Commission for 23 years, and was instrumental in starting the Van Wert County Regional Planning Commission. He served on the committee for the consolidation of Lincolnview Local School District.

Lee was a member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary and Harvey Lewis Post 346 of the American Legion in Ohio City. He was a longtime Venedocia Lions Club member, serving as president and in other offices. For over 40 years, he was on the Venedocia Horeb War Memorial Park Board of Trustees. He was also a member of Shanes Lodge 377, Free & Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mizpah Shrine, and Mizpah Shrine Horse Patrol.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 17, at Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia, with the Rev. Thomas Emery officiating.

Calling hours will be an hour prior to services Sunday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center or Salem Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements were handled by Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert.