Larry D. Cline, farmer, community leader, family man and friend to many passed away on Thursday evening, April 21, 2016 at his Waldo family farm surrounded by loved ones, following a 5 month illness. Earlier that day, Larry was honored by the Delaware County commissioners for his 50 years of service to Delaware County.
Born June 30, 1945 on the Waldo family farm to the late Mearl C. and late Helen L. (Hershner) Cline, he was a member of the last graduating class from Elm Valley High School in 1963. In school, he was a member of the debate team and portrayed the character “Curly” in the school musical “Oklahoma”.
At the age of 17 he joined the US Navy, proudly serving his Country overseas during the Vietnam Conflict as an engineman on the USS Haverfield. Returning home in 1966, he attended the Ohio State University Marion Campus serving as its first student government President. After earning a degree in Agronomy from OSU’s School of Agriculture, his dedication and service to the university never ended, as he served as a Trustee for the OSU Marion Campus. Larry bled scarlet and gray, supporting the university in numerous ways. It was there in 1969 that he met Criss Waddell, who would become his partner in life. They married in 1969. Together they shared 47 years raising their family and working the land.
A third-generation farmer, Larry farmed side by side with his Father, Uncle and Cousin, operating Cline Family Farms, which continues into the fourth generation of the Cline family. Simply put, Larry was a proud farmer. Most especially, he loved the planting and harvest seasons, the smell of fresh turned soil and a bounty- filled combine. Never afraid of a hard day’s work, he also enjoyed a passion for conservation. The agronomist took to the challenge of growing bamboo and a prairie with non-native grasses on his farm. For Larry, everything was a teachable moment, as he was always open and willing to share his knowledge of agriculture, conservation, and life lessons.
Larry valued and supported education in the community. In addition to his work as a Trustee at OSUM, he served locally on the Buckeye Valley school board as well as the Buckeye Valley athletic and band boosters. Along with others, he and his wife Criss ran the Buckeye Valley Food Booth at the Delaware County Fair for 17 years. Over the years, Larry also served as a substitute teacher in the Buckeye Valley School system, where his students were often surprised to find out that he would teach, and it wouldn’t be a free day.
One does not need to look far to find a community interest not touched by Larry’s hand and legacy of humble service. His contributions can also be seen through his involvement as a board member with the Delaware County Board of Mental Health, Delaware County Board of Health, Delaware County Board of Zoning Appeals, Delaware County Finance Authority, Delaware County Sewage Appeals Board, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Marion Goodwill Industries, and Delaware County United Way. He volunteered with many other organizations including the Delaware County Chapter League of Women Voters and Delaware County Fair and served as a trustee for Marlboro Township.
Larry was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waldo. He also took an active interest with the Consolidated Rural Electric Board assisting with The People Fund allocations. Due to his civic awareness, he coordinated and brought together local citizens for “G&R Summits” with Congressman Pat Tiberi. Larry looked to put the well-being of the community over politics, as he was always open-minded and never afraid to agree to disagree in the discussion of such causes.
Rest and leisure could be found at Myrtle Beach, one of his favorite places, or the swing on his prairie watching the grandkids play. Larry was a proud Navy Veteran, and looked forward to reunions with his USS Haverfield shipmates. He was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1095.
Larry was optimistic and kind-hearted, and spoke the truth in love. With smiling eyes and an ornery smile, he loved life and lived it well. He liked telling jokes, but also didn’t mind being the target of them. Described by others as “selfless”, he wanted to make a difference….and he did.
Above all else, Larry’s life centered on his family. As expressed by his children, “he was the proudest Papaw around”. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife Criss; son Michael (Kate) Cline of Mandeville, LA, and grandsons Nate and Birch; son Jeff (Tracie) Cline of Waldo and grandson Deven; daughter Jessica (Bill) Cashman of Ashley and granddaughters Mackenzie and Emma; brother Eugene (Rosemary) Cline of Grove City; nieces, nephews, and cousins including farming partners Lenny and Jarrod Cline who will carry on the farming legacy.
Services celebrating the life of Larry Cline will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 28th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 135 W. Main St., Waldo, Ohio 43356 where Pastor Sarah Schaff will officiate and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1095 will provide military honors. The celebration will then continue immediately following at All Occasion’s Banquet Facility, 6989 Waldo-Delaware Rd., Waldo and will last until 8:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center in Delaware.
Larry firmly believed in the advice of Dr. Suess “Do not cry because it is over, smile because it happened”. With Larry’s handprint there is so much to smile about.
Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry or the Buckeye Valley Food Pantry, 522 E. High St., Ashley, OH 43003
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
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