Spencerville;   Lawrence Dean "Farmer Wapp" Wappelhorst, 69, formerly of Spencerville, died  at his home in Cygnet, Ohio, at 11:50 AM Friday, December 17, 2021, with his family at his side.

He was born April 4, 1952 in Lima, a son of the late Ralph and Frieda Wappelhorst. He was also preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Lowell "Tom" and Donna Wieter , sister Mary Hartsock and brother Richard Wappelhorst.

Dean was a proud lifelong farmer who had a passion for animals. He was a1970 graduate of Spencerville High School and worked at the Lima Refinery for 30 years, followed by becoming a skilled carpenter for 30 years. He was a member of the Carpenters Union , Local 372 in Lima. He enjoyed the outdoors, travel, and his beloved family. He impacted the lives of several children through foster care.

Dean is survived by his companion of 28 years, Ardella "Bessie" Palmer, his children, Loretta Wappelhorst, Nathan Wappelhorst and James Wappelhorst and his grandchildren. His siblings, Ralph (Betty) Wappelhorst, John Wappelhorst, Robert Wappelhorst, Gerald (Toni) Wappelhorst, Donna (Rex) Wappelhorst-Hawkins and Cheryl Stevens.  His adoptive siblings, Leon Wieter, Kerry "Beanie" Wieter, Wendy ( Scott) Whittington, Penny Wilgus, Twyla Nuttle and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 4 PM Thursday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Pastor Darryl Potts officiating.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com