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Obituary notice of Larry R. Longsworth,

Wapakoneta Dateline,

Former Auglaize County Sheriff Larry R. Longsworth, 62, of Wapakoneta, passed away 12:55 a.m., Mon. June 11, 2012, at The Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, surrounded by his loving family.  Larry was born Feb. 18, 1950, in Mercer Co., OH, the son of Robert & Bernice (Nuss) Longsworth.  His father survives in Wapakoneta, and his mother preceded him in death.  He is also survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Janice (Haehn) Longsworth.  Other survivors include a son, Aaron (Alicia) Longsworth,a daughter, Missy Longsworth (Casey) Crisp, 2 grandchildren, Alden & Allison Longsworth, and 2 brothers, Dennis (Gayla) Longsworth and Gary (Paula) Longsworth.

Larry honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was awarded  3 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.  Larry dedicated 31 years of service, law enforcement, and leadership to the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office, the last 16 years as Sheriff.  He was instrumental in bringing the DARE program to all county schools, the building of the new Sheriff's Office and jail, and in the creation of the Grand Lake Task Force and the Special Response Team.  Larry was a devoted and loving husband, father, and papa.  Retiring in 2005, Larry spent his time traveling with his wife Janice, tending to his wetlands area he created on his property, and serving as a source of quiet strength for his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.  He enjoyed waterfowl hunting and loved nature and the outdoors.  A 1968 graduate of Wapakoneta High School, his memberships included the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445, the American Legion Post #330, Moulton Gun Club, and held life memberships in the Amvets Post #333 and the Buckeye State Sheriff's Assn.  He was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed watching the Weather Channel.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Fri. June 15, 2012, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, Pastor Joy Miller, Sheriff Allen Solomon, & Deputy James Wachauf officiating.  Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted.  The family will receive friends 2-8 p.m., Thurs. and 1 hr. prior to the service, Fri. at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Auglaize County DARE Program.  Condolences may be expressed at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com.