Honestly, walking through the grocery store or grabbing a coffee in Lima lately feels a bit heavier. It’s that small-town reality where you can’t look at the obituary section without seeing a name that looks familiar, or at least a last name that belongs to a family you grew up with. Recent deaths in Lima Ohio today aren't just statistics on a coroner’s spreadsheet; they represent empty chairs at dinner tables in Shawnee, Elida, and the North End.
It’s been a rough start to 2026 for Allen County.
Between the sudden loss of a well-known local business owner and the quiet passing of the "greatest generation" matriarchs, the community is currently in a state of collective mourning. There is a lot of noise online, and sometimes it's hard to separate the rumors from the reality of who we’ve actually lost.
The Names We Are Remembering This Week
Just today, January 14, 2026, the local community received word of the passing of Lois "Loni" Onita Suggs. She was 92. Think about that for a second. That is nearly a century of Lima history lived through one person's eyes. She passed away at 3:49 a.m. at St. Rita’s Medical Center. Loni was a fixture here, and Jones-Clark Funeral Home is currently handling those arrangements.
Then there’s the news about Larry Stone. He was 71 and originally from Lima. Even though he passed away at a hospice center in Kentucky today, his roots remained deep in Ohio soil.
We also have to talk about the ones that hit the headlines earlier this week because the funerals are happening right now.
Delores "Diane" Connor passed away on January 12 at the age of 85. If you ever spent time at the Lafayette Congregational Christian Church, you knew her. She wasn’t just a member; she was the church treasurer and still working as an accounts payable clerk at Bethel Engineering. People like Diane are the literal glue of this city. She loved the Buckeyes, she loved gardening, and she sang with her husband, Dick, for years.
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Recent Deaths in Lima Ohio Today: Looking at the Impact of Local Accidents
Sometimes the loss isn't a long life well-lived, but a life cut short in a way that makes everyone stop and check their own speedometers.
Earlier this week, the Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed the death of Timothy Landwehr, who was only 53. He was the owner of Tim’s Backyard BBQ—a name that plenty of locals associate with good food and weekend hangouts. He died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on Elida Road near White Honda.
It’s the kind of news that lingers. You drive past that spot on Elida Road and you can't help but think about it.
- Motorcycle Safety: The crash involved a truck and Landwehr’s bike.
- Ongoing Investigations: American Township Police and the Highway Patrol are still piecing together exactly what happened.
- Community Support: A funeral Mass was scheduled for Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Jennings, showing just how far his reach went beyond the Lima city limits.
Understanding the Role of the Allen County Coroner
When we talk about recent deaths in Lima Ohio today, we also have to look at the "how" and "why." The Allen County Coroner’s office, along with neighboring Lucas County (where many local autopsies are performed for specialized cases), has been busy.
In the broader region, we’ve seen a spike in various causes of death that the coroner has had to certify. For instance, just a couple of days ago, an autopsy was finalized for a 34-year-old male, Willis Johnson, though his incident occurred in Toledo, the ripple effects of regional violence often touch families back here in Allen County.
Closer to home, the coroner often deals with "pending" results. This is the part that frustrates families—waiting for toxicology or specialized reports that can take weeks. Honestly, it’s a grueling wait for a family just looking for closure.
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A Community in Transition
It feels like we are seeing a significant transition in our local population. In the last few days alone, we’ve seen the passing of:
- Irene R. Seitz, 85, who passed away this morning.
- Kenneth Looser Sr., 87, a Marine Corps veteran and manager at Consolidated Natural Gas.
- Kenneth R. Homan, 67, who passed away at Mercy Health Lima.
These aren't just names. Kenneth Looser, for example, was a Cub Scout Master and involved in youth baseball for 25 years. When a man like that dies, a quarter-century of kids—now adults—feel that loss. He was the "Man of the Year" back in 1971. That’s a legacy that defines what Lima used to be and what it's trying to remain.
Why This Information Matters to You
You might be searching for this because you heard a siren today and felt that pit in your stomach. Or maybe you saw a "Rest in Peace" post on Facebook and wanted to verify the details before you called a friend.
In a town like Lima, news travels fast, but accurate news travels a little slower.
Checking with the main funeral homes—Chiles-Laman, Chamberlain-Huckeriede, and Jones-Clark—is usually the most reliable way to get the facts. These directors are the ones working with the families in the middle of the night to make sure the obituaries are correct.
Navigating the Aftermath of Loss in Lima
If you’ve lost someone recently, the "to-do" list is overwhelming. Basically, you're expected to be an administrator of an estate while your heart is breaking.
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First, get your hands on multiple copies of the death certificate. You’d be surprised how many institutions (banks, life insurance, even the BMV) won't take a photocopy.
Second, reach out to local support groups. St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial both offer grief support resources that aren't just for patients. They are for the community.
Third, don't rush the process. Whether it’s a traditional burial at Memorial Park Cemetery or a cremation service, the timeline is yours to manage.
Staying Informed and Respectful
When looking for updates on recent deaths in Lima Ohio today, it's vital to stay on official channels. The Lima News and local funeral home websites are updated daily. Social media is great for sharing memories, but it's notorious for getting the "how" wrong.
Let's keep the focus on the families. If you see a neighbor who just lost someone, maybe skip the "how are you?" and just bring over a bag of groceries or offer to mow the lawn. Sometimes the best way to honor those we've lost is to take better care of those who are still here.
To stay updated on local arrangements, you should regularly check the digital obituary boards at the major local funeral homes. If you are looking for specific details regarding a recent accident or a coroner's report, contacting the Allen County Sheriff's Office or the Coroner's Office directly during business hours is the most direct path to factual information.
Next Steps for Families and Friends:
- Verify funeral times directly through the funeral home websites to avoid misinformation.
- If you are seeking to provide support, consider a donation to the Lafayette Congregational Christian Church or St. John’s Schools in memory of the local leaders lost this week.
- Request official accident reports through the Ohio State Highway Patrol public records portal if you are a party involved in recent traffic incidents.