Larry Paul Banta 74, died Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Van Wert, Ohio. After a short battle with cancer.

He was born on August 27, 1950, to the late Virginia Jean (May) Brake.

Larry was a fun loving, working man, who always tried to make friends with everyone he'd meet. He was frequently stopped wherever he went by people he touched in some way. His greatest joy were collecting things of interest, decorating and scaring people on Halloween, and dancing to music in the park. He especially enjoyed the entertainments at Niswonger and walking around town visiting people and stores he liked.

Larry is survived by his sister Kathy; brothers, John and Mark; nieces, Chloe and Ann; nephews Jacob, Michael, James, Mark, Levi, Jonathan and Jeremy; and sisters-in-law, Traci, Kathy and Renee.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, George and David.

Wishing no fuss be made. Larry will be cremated without ceremony. In remembrance, donations can be made out to Van Wert LIVE, Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Van Wert Council on Aging or the American Cancer Society.

Larry will truly be missed by all who loved hum and those he touched. He will probably talk and dance his way through Heaven.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.