Obituaries

Rev. Larry H. Blunden, 88, of Lima, passed away at 2:34 AM on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Lima Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 16, 1934, in Lafayette, Ohio to Carter and Mary "Helen" (Heath) Blunden, who preceded him in death. On September 10, 1960, he married Ida "Cathryn" (Hefner) Blunden, who preceded him in death on December 17, 2021.

Larry graduated from Lafayette Jackson High School in 1953 and went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Bluffton College in 1953. He then attended Lancaster Theological Seminary where he received his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1961. He was a Pastor and teacher in several churches over his 60-year career. He raised a family of two wonderful children and four grandchildren. He was active in local ministerial groups and the United Church of Christ. He had also vacationed in many significant places in the U.S. and Canada. He was active with the Biblical Witness Fellowship and the Suicide Hotline, Toledo. He enjoyed spending time visiting and planning nursing home worship services.

He was a member of the Allen County Republican Party, the Westgate Neighborhood Association, the Lion's Club of Columbus, the Men's Brotherhood at First E & R Church, Lima, The United Church of Christ Ministerial Association and The Lafayette Jackson Historical Society. He also enjoyed gardening, home maintenance projects and reading.

Surviving are his son, Dr. Jeffrey H. (Abby) Blunden; his daughter Martha Rene' Mitchell; his grandchildren Carter Heath Blunden, Justin Heath Blunden, Keaire Cathryn Mitchell and Jordan Lee Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Jack and Carter Blunden.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Lafayette Congregational Christian Church, 191 W. Main Street, Lafayette, Ohio.

The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of services at 12:00 PM.

Interment in Lafayette Cemetery will immediately follow the services at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Evangelical & Reformed Church or Lafayette Congregational Christian Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL