Reverend Larry Owen Beltz

Reverend Larry Owen

Beltz

Reverend Larry Owen Beltz, 60, went home to be with his Savior and Lord after a heart attack, on May 13, 2004. We celebrate, as his family and friends, knowing that he is fully restored and rejoicing with his Lord.

Born in Springfield Township, Larry began a life devoted to serving others. An Ohio Northern graduate, he loved sports and out of that love spent several years coaching championship basketball teams in Lima, Ohio, and Bedford, Mich. At the retirement of his father, Larry returned home to Springfield Township to help co-manage Beltz Lawn & Garden, the family business. Larry had a call on his life to serve others, but not just through coaching, teaching, or business. He wanted to help others find and grow in Christ and out of that desire grew a vision to start a ministry that broke many paradigms. He, along with others who were committed to the vision he cast, took a singles ministry from the basement of his home to an abandoned bar in Portage Lakes. The birth of The Ark, a Christian nightclub, met the needs of Christian singles for seven years. Out of that ministry, a small church with a big heart was born. In its present location, The Village Chapel continues to reach out to those in need. While the hearts of those he pastored may be broken and hurting, they also re joice knowing that they, one day, will worship in heaven with him.

To all those who knew him, Larry's life was filled with vision. He saw that a 40-acre cornfield, in the middle of Green Township, was worth the time, work, and energy it required for a miraculous transformation. Today, 20 years later, the old cornfield is postcard-picturesque with a church, log home, tailored flower beds, a pristine lake, manicured lawns, and 16 miniature donkeys. Larry's vi sion is a testimony to the grace and faithfulness of his Lord.

Larry's family and friends look forward to the day that they'll see him again in heaven. But until that time, many can testify that their lives have been made better by journeying with him.

Survivors include his wife and partner in ministry, Linda Franklin Beltz; daughter and son-in- law, Cameron and Christine Simmons Keaton; granddaughters, Madison Mallory and Lau ren Elizabeth Keaton; adopted son, Star; brother and sister-in- law, Don and Marylea Beltz; niece, Juilea Beltz Riouch (Amine) and family; and faithful companions, Carl and Ab-be. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dale Owen and Helen Griggy Beltz, and nephew, Blanton Blaine Beltz.

Funeral service Tuesday, May 18, 2 p.m., at The Village Chapel, 1060 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. Burial at Woods Cemetery in Uniontown. Friends may call Sunday and Monday, 6 to 8 p.m., at Hopkins Lawver UNIONTOWN Funeral Home, 3553 Northdale St., and one hour prior to service time on Tuesday at the church. Memori al contributions may be made to The Village Chapel to contin ue Larry's vision and legacy.