Lloyd "Walt" Early, 93, of Jenera, died on Thursday at the Good Samaritan Home in Arlington. Walt was born on Aug., 7, 1922 in Allen County to the late Schuyler C. and Josephine L. (Bundy) Early. He was married to Marilyn W. Betz, Marjory E. Robbins and Betty A. VanDeventer and they all have preceded him in death.
On Nov. 4, 1995 he married Carolyn E. Woodward and she survives. Walt was a graduate of Ada High School in 1941. Walt was a U.S. Army veteran as a PFC in the 99th Infantry, Air Cadet in the 78th Infantry Division during WWII, seeing combat in several battles including the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, Ramagen, Bridge, Ruhr Pocket and Colonge Plains.
Walt was a machinist at Ex cell o, Ford Motor Company Lima Plant and General Electric E.M.C. from which he retired. He also had worked in maintenance at the Hampton Inn. He was a member of the American Legion Post #382 of Bluffton, the Bluffton Senior Citizens, AARP and the Independent Order of Foresters. He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jenera. He also enjoyed spending time at the senior center in Bluffton playing pool and making the annual Christmas peanut brittle.
Along with his wife Carolyn, Walt is survived by a daughter Brenda J. Pasini of Pomona, California; step-sons: Michael (Jill) Woodward of Bluffton, Ohio; David (Chris) Woodward of Findlay, Ohio; a sister-in-law Betty L. Early of San Tan Valley, Ariz.; and three grandchildren: Christopher, Amanda, Sara and six step-grandchildren: Brooke, Morgan, Shelby, Storm, Jaden, and Brenden. He was preceded in death by his two brothers Curtis C. Early and Glen R. (Mary) Early.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Sunday, Dec. 20, from 2 - 4 p.m. at Crates Funeral Home, Arlington, and one hour priorto service.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera, with Pastor Alois Schmitzer III officiating.
Burial with military rites will be performed by the Hancock County Veteran Squad at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions in Walt's honor may be gifted to the church. Online condolences as well as fond memories may be left for Walt's family by visiting www.coldrencrates.com.
