Larry L. Poling

Larry L. Poling, 81, of Van Wert, died at 9:14 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at Van Wert Health.

He was born February 22, 1938, in Van Wert, the son of Dallas and Mildred (Hanby) Poling, who both preceded him in death. On August 24, 1957 he married the former Joan Wortman.

Larry was a lifetime Van Wert County farmer and a member of the former Bethel United Methodist Church. He was a Van Wert County Fair Board director for 30 plus years, was a member of the Van Wert County Hospital Commission Board, sang with the Ohio Northwesternaires Barbershop Quartet, was a member of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau, and was an avid horse racing and NASCAR fan.  Larry became involved with horses starting with his son, Jeff, and this involvement continued through to his great grandchildren. Through the years he participated in countless parades with his horses and wagons.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Mike (Berneil) Poling of Delphos, Jeff Poling of Van Wert, and Nan Smith of Van Wert; two sisters, June Taylor and Marilyn Bair, both of Van Wert; four grandchildren, Nikki (Aaron) Gray, Joel Smith, Mary Smith, and Abbigail (Sam) Wildman; and his great-grandchildren, Aiden Gray, Logan Gray, Paige Smith, and Hayes Wildman.

Larry was also preceded in death by a brother, Roger Poling; and a son-in-law, Jerry Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, January 6, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Lincolnview Latchkey or Van Wert County Fair.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.