Larry Poling

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

He was born February 22, 1938 in Van Wert to the late Dallas and Mildred (Hanby) Poling. 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; sisters, June Taylor of Van Wert and Marilyn Bair of Van Wert; 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.

In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by a brother, Roger Poling; and a son in law, Jerry Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Greg Wack officiating.

Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, January 6, 2020, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the Lincolnview Latchkey or Van Wert County Fair.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com