Larry Hile

HARTFORD CITY, IN-  Larry Rex Hile, 66, passed away on October 7, 2025.

   Larry was born on January 28, 1959 to Max and Crystal (Steinhilber) Hile in Hartford City, IN.  He graduated from Blackford High School in 1977. He attended Purdue University.

   A lifelong resident of Blackford County, he was a grain and livestock farmer with Hile Family Farms, along with his father, his son, Brad and Brad Slentz.  He was a former Hod Carriers Union member.

   Larry was a member of the Blackford County Purdue Ag Alumni, previously serving as former president and treasurer.  He belonged to the Blackford County Farm Bureau, previously serving on the board of directors; the Delaware/Blackford Pork Producers, previously serving as president and the Mideast Solid Waste district.  He was also former president of the Blackford County Solid Waste District.  Larry was a tenure 4-H member and continued to support his local 4-H.

   Larry enjoyed being involved in his Church and community, previously serving as a Pee-Wee football coach and T-Ball coach.  He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving in several positions.  Larry was a long-time Democrat office holder in Blackford County, serving as Washington Township Precinct Committeeman from 1980 to 1988; Washington Township Advisory Board from 1987 to 1988; County Council from 1989 to 1998 and County Commissioner from 1999 to 2007.   He also served as vice-chair and County Chair of Blackford County Democrats.

   Larry enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their school and sport activities.

   Larry married Denise (Miller) Hile and recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.  He was blessed with two sons, Brad and Brian.

   He is survived by his loving wife, Denise and his children, Brad (Mary) Hile and Brian (Deborah) Hile.  His grandchildren:  Loralie, Miriam and Ashlind Hile, and Ethan and Atticus Hile.  Two sisters:  Nancy (Bill) Wolverton and Sally (Rick) Willmann.  His sister-in-law, Lynn (Bill) Abney; brother-in-law, Randy (Lori) Miller; brother-in-law, Tim (Toni) Miller and sister-in-law, Shari (Will) Baird.  Larry is predeceased by his parents, Max and Crystal Hile, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Marian Miller and a brother-in-law, Steve Miller.

   Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in the Zion Lutheran Church, 208 S. Monroe St., Hartford City, with Pastor Sharilyn Wendt officiating.  Burial immediately follows at Greenlawn Cemetery, East of Hartford City.

   Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 11th at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. and at the church, from 1:00 p.m. until services on Sunday.

   Larry’s family would sincerely appreciate donations to the Zion Lutheran Church, in his memory, in lieu of flowers.

   Visit www.WatersFunerals.com to offer condolences to the family.

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