Larry Joe VanAtta was a mechanic
Larry Joe VanAtta, 67, passed away August 17, 2022 at Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay. Larry was born October 18, 1954 in Mt. Gilead, Ohio to the late Leon and Joyce (Wolfley) VanAtta.
Larry graduated from Bluffton High School in 1974 where he held records in wrestling and pole vaulting. He was a mechanic and auto body worker.
Survivors include three daughters, Catina A. (Matthew McKee) VanAtta of Vaughnsville, Crissy VanAtta of Bluffton, Carrie (DeWayne) Salsbury of Bluffton; a son, Larry Joe VanAtta II of Kenton; eighteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Michael (Linda) VanAtta of Indian Lake, Steven (Sue) VanAtta of Centerville, Iowa, Teresa Siebert of Destin, Florida and Tom (Nyra) VanAtta of Tampa, Florida.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Friday, August 14, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Families and customers create an oral history of memorable Bluffton businesses
- Local students travel to France, Monaco and Italy
- Move on Up: New drug for COVID-19 exposure
- Back to School Days at Bluffton Public Library
- 50 for 250 performances at Bluffton Public Library
- Community meal on August 20 at Bluffton Senior Center
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Obituary for centenarian Lois Jean Andreas
- Thomas "Tom" J. Basinger served in the U.S. Army
- President Sider to present Aug. 25 State of the University address
- August 10 council recap: Spending increase for Benroth bridge repairs
- MHCO requests zoning change for construction of senior duplexes
- WIP Wednesday: 1915 kitchen gets a charming DIY remodel