Wayne Coblentz, Purple Heart Award Winner and Darke County Business Man, Has Passed Away

Wayne Coblentz passed away on Saturday at the age of 91. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but I know he was well known and well loved throughout our community. His obituary was posted this morning, and it includes (likely only a portion) of the accomplishments he was able to attain in his lifetime, including a Purple Heart awarded during World War II.

Here's an excerpt from the obituary (full obituary is available here):

Wayne was a well-known business man in the Greenville area since 1946. Wayne retired from his State Farm Insurance Agency in August 2001. He was a graduate of the Gettysburg High School in 1941. Served in the Air force during WW II from January 1943 through June 1946. He was awarded the Purple Heart, after being wounded at Leyte Island during the invasion of the Philippine Islands in October 1944. Wayne was an avid golfer, life member of the Greenville Bowling Association, and the last living charter member of the Darke County Horseshoe Club. Wayne was a very successful fastpitch softball pitcher in the late 1940’s and 1950’s in Ohio and Indiana. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also was active in and supportive of many local programs including Youth for Christ, Campus Crusade, Senior Moments, Masonic lodge, Hospice and helped with the return of Southern Gospel Music concerts to Darke County. Wayne enjoyed music, and for several years he used his God given talent to play the piano, and several string instruments, with local Country Western bands. He was a 70 year member of the Oakland Church of the Brethren, and the last few years, he has been a member of the Greenville Missionary Church. Wayne left no doubt that the primary joy of his life was his wife Virginia (Hartman), and their family.

 Thank you, Mr. Coblentz.