Lawrence Stripe

Lawrence E. "Burr" Stripe, of Van Wert, finished his race after having lived a full 87 years and passed peacefully into paradise at 5:36 a.m., Friday, August 26, 2016 at Van Crest Health Care Center in Van Wert, OH. He was a passionate peacemaker and a man of highest integrity. As it has been said, "To know him is to love him!" Sporting one of many stylish fedoras or roadster caps, Burr always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Born September 30, 1928 in Van Wert, he was the son of the late Ida Mae (Moorman) Stripe and the late Jesse Earl Stripe. A lifelong resident of Van Wert and a VWHS graduate, he married Catherine Isabel-LaFreda (Becker) Stripe who preceded him in death August 1, 1998, just one month short of their 49th wedding anniversary.

He shared, over the years, in the love of the Church of God, First Church of Christ, and First United Methodist Church all of Van Wert. Burr worked for D & H Auto Parts (previously Dunson's) 29.5 years, Eaton Corporation (Aeroquip) 19 years, Washington Auto Parts, and Mac's Delicatessen 28 years until its closing.

Lawrence is survived by 4 children: twin daughters, Marti (Martha) Jean Stripe Stittsworth of Fort Wayne, IN and Marcia June Stripe (Michael) Wise, of Van Wert, OH, and two sons, John Jay Stripe of Payne, OH, and Martin Kelly (Cheryl) Stripe, of Defiance, OH; 7 grandchildren: Julie (John) Scheurich, Jason (Allison) Stittsworth, Jeanie Stittsworth, Matthew (Daphnia) Wise, Crista Petty, James (Sonya) Stripe, and Samantha Stripe; and 11 great-grandchildren: Amaya Scheurich, Emma Kohler, Khloe Stittsworth, Landen Stittsworth, Catherine Wise, Natalie Wise, Thatcher Wise, McKayla Petty, Donovan Stripe, Dexter Stripe, and Penelope Stripe. He was preceded in death by son-in-law, Gary Alan Stittsworth, and grandson, James Christian Stittsworth.

He was also preceded in death by siblings: Ruth Eileen Stripe Howard, John Jacob Stripe, Richard Barton Stripe, Mildred Fredonna JoAn Stripe Adams Clark... , Virginia Jeanne Stripe Meeks, Doris Maxine Stripe Edwards, Phyllis Mae Stripe, and Margaret Ellen Stripe Pontius.

He loved family and time spent together especially playing games of Aggravation, Bananagrams, Sequence, horseshoes and others. He was an inventor, a wordsmith extraordinaire, and had a fervor for history, maps and geography. He was an overcomer, undaunted by what life threw his way and kept a skip in his step and a catchy tune in his whistle. He was self-sacrificing and generous, "moved perhaps more than his share of refrigerators", and brought joy and laughter to all who would receive it. And though Burr was known by many monikers e.g. "Burr", "Hat Man" or "Piano Man" (we loved his single song repertoire), his most endearing and precious moniker was that of "Family Man", Dad, Grandpa, and Faithful Friend. He lives on in our hearts never to be forgotten.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at 1st United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with calling from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The Rev. Gus Christo-Baker will officiate. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, OH. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 2:00-4:00 p.m and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert.

The family thanks the entire staff of both Van Crest Health Care Center and also State of the Heart Care of Coldwater who were so heroically, expertly and lovingly devoted to Burr's care. We also thank the many family and friends who faithfully stood by him making his every day richer for it.

Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Care of Coldwater or to First United Methodist Church of Van Wert. Condolences can be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.