Harold Doyle "Big H" Stemen, 80, Ohio City, died at 8:27 p.m. March 29, 2011, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born July 14, 1930 in Van Wert to Lehr O. and Alvertus Bowersock Stemen. On Oct. 17, 1979, he married Delores Fisher Lippi, who died July 19, 1985.  

Surviving are five sons, Chris Stemen, Celina, Jaime Stemen, Ohio City, David Stemen, Van Wert, Mark Stemen, Delphos, and Rob Stemen, Van Wert; a daughter Tracie Vincent, Willshire; a sister, Olive Lay, Scott; 23 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a daughter, Holly Semer; two brothers, Everett "Nick" Stemen and Donald Stemen; and four grandchildren.

He was founder and operator of H&E Pallet and T&R Wood Products in Middle Point and retired in 1995 after 38 years in business. He established HDS Stables, breeding and training race horses. He had 175 wins with pacer standard breeds.

He served in the U.S. Navy, 1950-51, and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 178 and American Legion Post 5803, both in Van Wert. He also was a member of the United States Trotting Association and Indiana Standard Breed Association.

Service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, Pastor Mark Rutledge officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert with military services by the combined honor guard of the American and VFW posts.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

Condolences may be left at cowanandsonfuneralhome.com.