Harry LeVoy Early

Harry LeVoy "Levy" Early, 95, of Roann passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at 1019 Belle's Place of Wabash, IN where he had resided for the past year. He was born in Peru, IN on June 26, 1930. After graduating from Roann High School in 1948, he attended Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL where he received a degree in Economics. Upon completion of his degree at Blackburn College, he enrolled at Purdue University before being drafted into the United States Army. Before leaving for the military he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Irene Draper on February 10, 1951. After completing his basic training at Camp Atterbury he was sent to Leadership School at Camp Breckinridge, KY before being shipped to Korea as part of the 101st Airborne Division. While in Korea he earned, several commendations that included the "Bronze Star".

After being honorably discharged from the military in March 1953 he returned home to his wife and family. There, he continued to work on the family farm as well as working part-time for high school friend Wilbur Mouser, owner of Mouser Plumbing and Well Drilling in Roann. Later, after the family relocated to Fort Wayne, he worked as a Supervisor at the Taylor Street General Electric Plant in the Small Motors Division. In 1975, relocating back home to Roann and building a new house, he went to work as a Supervisor at GenCorp's Peru, IN Plant where he eventually retired in 1995. It was also during that time, that he and his wife Ruth purchased the Bridgeview Inn Restaurant in downtown Roann running it for several years before selling the business.

Levy enjoyed outdoor activities that included hunting and fishing, a pastime that was passed on to his three sons. Many trips were made over the years to Iowa and South Dakota to pheasant hunt. In earlier years, he made annual trips with his family to Fife Lake, MI to fish and mushroom hunt. One of his more memorable trips was a fly-in trip to a secluded cabin located on Lake Lemoine in Ontario, Canada in 2001 with sons Kevin, Layne and friends to spend a week fishing and enjoying the rustic backcountry wilderness.

Levy was a longtime member of the Olive Branch Church, however, when his wife, due to health reasons, was no longer able to make the trip they watched the church services on TV.

He is survived by his three sons, Kevin (Cheri) Early of Ontario, OH; Kris (Tina) Early of Ortonville, MI; Layne (Niki) Early of Roann, IN; and a daughter, Lynnette Blackwell of Roann, IN. Seven Grandchildren: Cari (Kevin) King of Hamilton, MI; Chad (LeeAnn) Early of Ontario, OH; Carson Early of Galion, OH; Lauren Shewman of Denver, IN; Hunter Early of Fort Wayne, IN; Kanan Early of East Lansing, MI; and Jadyn Early of East Lansing, MI. Eleven Great Grandchildren: Caleb (Amanda) Ivy of Ontario, OH; Harrison (Callie) Ivy of Mansfield, OH; Reagan (James) Williamson of Columbus, OH; Gabe (Zaynah) Ivy of Galion, OH; Zachary Early of Galion, OH; Kale Early of Ontario, OH; Mason King of Hamilton, MI; Grace Early of Ontario, OH; Zander Early of Galion, OH; Mackenzie King of Hamilton, MI; and Zaydee Early of Galion, OH; Brother-in-law Phil (Sherry) Draper of Roann, IN; Niece: Linda Bowton Delaney of Silver Spring, MD; and Nephew: Greg Bowton of Fort Wayne, IN.

In addition to his parents, Levy was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Early; sister Betty Early Bowton; brother Ellis 'Dick' Early; son-in-law Jerry Blackwell; grand daughter in-law Natasha Early; brothers-in-law Jim and Richard Paul Draper; and sisters-in-law Cheri Ann and Eleanor Draper.

Per Levy's request there will be no viewing. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 am at Roann Community Cemetery. Arrangement by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Roann.

Preferred Memorial will be the Olive Branch Youth Program.

The memorial guestbook for Levy may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.