Walter E. LaRue

Lima

Walter E. LaRue, 79, died at 4:35 p.m. Nov. 22, 2009, in St. Rita’s Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 25, 1930, in American Township, Allen County, to Harold Clinton and Naomi Navena Downing LaRue, who preceded him in death. On May 11, 1954, he married Ruth V. Ritchie, who died July 14, 2005.

Mr. LaRue retired in 1992 from R&W Construction Co., where he had been a carpenter. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a life member of American Legion Post 96, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275, AMVETS Post 1, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370, and the Fraternal Order Orioles. He was a big fan of the Cincinnati Reds, the Cleveland Indians and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Survivors include two sons, Gary LaRue, of Belleville, Mich., and David LaRue, of Spencerville; four daughters, Judy (Charlie) Fribourg, of Batavia, Brenda (Art) Lentz, of Parrish, Fla., Vicki (James, deceased) Castle of Foraker, and Jean (Wes Gilroy) Sexton, of Lima; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Bill (Joyce) LaRue, of Benton Ridge, and Jim (Barb) LaRue, of Elida.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Slane; and a grandson, Tyler LaRue.

Services will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Chaplain Richard Coon will officiate. VFW Post 1275 will perform military rites. Cremation will follow the services.

Friends may call from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.