Larry L. Novean, 72, New Knoxville, Ohio, died 11:30 A.M. Sunday, May 31, 2015, at the Wapakoneta Manor Nursing Home.

He was born October 1, 1942, in Lima, Ohio, the son of Lawrence and Virginia (Widau) Novean. He married Jane Shindeldecker Wolery on May 12, 1962, in Monroe, Michigan, and she survives at the residence.

He is also survived by his three children: Michelle (Reverend John) Schlicher of Beavercreek, Ohio; Sarah (Mark) Lageman of New Knoxville; Michael (Gretta) Novean of West Chester, Ohio. He is survived by his 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is survived by a sister, Nancy (Leo) Goodwin of Union City, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry was a 1960 graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years, and was stationed in Vietnam during the war there.

He attended Ohio State University and retired from the Minster Machine Company, where he worked for 36 years.

Larry was a outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He took all his grandchildren, and many of their friends, on youth hunts, instilling a love of nature in them. He was a charter member of the Saint Marys Bassmasters Club and also served as past president of Pheasants Forever. He had served as a Scout Master, and he was an expert waterskier.

He enjoyed woodworking, too, and made his own trick skis and many toys for his grandchildren. He loved to garden, and maintained an active orchard where he perfected the art of grafting trees. Larry's family was the most important thing in the world to him.

He was a member of American Legion Post 444, New Knoxville.

Funeral rites will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at the First Church of New Knoxville, the Reverend Beth Ernest, officiant. Burial, with military honors conducted by Post 444, will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday in the Ministry Center of the First Church of New Knoxville, where memorial gifts may be given to the Youth Group of the First Church of New Knoxville. Friends may also call one hour prior to the funeral rites on Wednesday at the church.

The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville.

Condolences may be sent to Larry's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.