Walter Harris

Walter "Walt" Harris, 89, of Van Wert, died at 2:55 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Vancrest Healthcare Center, Van Wert.

He was born July 3, 1923 in Continental, Ohio, to the late Marguerite (Shisler) Harris and Orrin C. Harris.

His wife, Eileen (Shepherd) Harris is deceased. They were married April 5, 1947.

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

He retired after years as claims supervisor at Central Mutual Insurance 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 life member of Van Wert American Legion, Van Wert Elks lodge, Ohio State University Alumni Association and Indiana University Alumni Association. He was a past United Methodist Men president and a highly decorated United States Army veteran of WW II. He was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and 17th Airborne Division Association. He was a former Lion's Club member, a Boy Scout officer and a member of the Central Mutual Insurance Quarter Century Club, Lima Run 'N Jog Club and Van Wert YWCA. He was past president of the Lima Adjusters Association and a life member of the Van Wert County Historical Society.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. The Rev. Paul Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio.

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