Lawrence David Schoonover

LAWRENCE DAVID SCHOONOVER Lawrence "Larry" David Schoonover, 84, loving husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones at Van Wert Manor. He was born July 9, 1941, to the late Frank Schoonover, Sr., and Emma (Taylor) Schoonover of Paulding, Ohio. In April 1961, Larry married his soul mate, Beverly Dempsey, and enjoyed 64 years of blissful marriage. Larry served 20 years in the US Army, serving two tours in Vietnam and was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, 3 tours in Germany, and 1 tour in Korea. He was the Van Wert Postmaster for several years until he retired in 2001. He was a Past Master of the Mason Lodge in Karlsruhe, Germany, a member of the Shriners, Scottish Rite, Van Wert VFW, Van Wert American Legion, and DAV. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Schoonover; children, David (Jeanine) Schoonover, Kimberly (Gary) Metcalfe, Laura Schoonover, Karen Hershey, and Valerie (Mike) VanArtsdalen; one brother Tom Tyler of Shippenville PA and two sisters, Carolyn Murphey of Dallas TX and Emma Raines of Van Wert, fifteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and his two furbabies, Dapple and Duke. Larry was preceded in death by stepfather Clifford Tyler Sr., brothers Frank Schoonover Jr, Clifford (Butch) Tyler Jr, and sister Gloria Felger. At Larry's request, there will be no public visitation, but a graveside service will be open to the public at Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point, Ohio, at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at the Van Wert American Legion at 2:00 pm on the same day. Donations in Larry's memory may be made to Legacy Hospice, 2615 Ft. Amanda Road, Suite A, Lima, Ohio 45804. Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com. Services have been entrusted to Alspach Gearhart Funeral Home, 722 South Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.