Larry Rex Hile, a Hartford City, Indiana native and former local coach, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the untimely age of 66.
While Larry Hile’s family hasn’t yet disclosed the actual cause of his untimely death, many of his loved ones are paying tribute to him and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Larry touched the lives of many with his exceptional coaching skills and his contributions to the community as an experienced agricultural businessman.
Born on January 28, 1959, to parents Max and Crystal Hile, Larry attended Blackford High School, where he excelled in multiple sports and graduated in 1977.
He further continued his academic journey at Purdue University, where he was later a member of the Blackford County Purdue Ag Alumni, serving as former president and treasurer.
While Larry Hile didn’t pursue his career as an athlete, he continued to guide several youth athletes as a remarkable coach.
He served as a Pee-Wee football coach and T-Ball coach, leading his team to several victories.
Late Larry Hile Thrived in His Career as a Farmer and Agricultural Businessman
In addition to being an exceptional coach, Larry Hile was a skilled farmer who made significant contributions to the Hartford City community.
A lifelong resident of Blackford County, he was a grain and livestock farmer who operated his family’s farms.
Similarly, he was a former member of the Hod Carriers Union and served on the board of directors at the Blackford County Farm Bureau.
Larry also served as the president of the Delaware/Blackford Pork Producers and simultaneously as president of the Mideast Solid Waste district.
He also served as the former president of the Blackford County Solid Waste District and was a 4-H member in good standing, continuing to support his local 4-H program.
Likewise, Larry Hile was a long-time Democratic officeholder in Blackford County, serving as Washington Township Precinct Committeeman from 1980 to 1988, a member of the Washington Township Advisory Board from 1987 to 1988, a member of the County Council from 1989 to 1998, and a County Commissioner from 1999 to 2007.
He also served as vice chair and County Chair of the Blackford County Democrats.
In addition to his career, Larry loved spending time in his Church and helping the community. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving in several positions.
Larry Hile is survived by his longtime wife, Denise Miller Hile, his sons Brad (Mary) Hile and Brian (Deborah) Hile, his grandchildren, Loralie, Miriam, Ashlind, Ethan, and Atticus Hile, two sisters, Nancy (Bill) Wolverton and Sally (Rick) Willmann, and the entire family.
The family has organized services to honor the late Larry Hile on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in the Zion Lutheran Church in Hartford City.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., and at the church from 1:00 p.m. until services on Sunday.
Burial follows at Greenlawn Cemetery, East of Hartford City. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Larry Hile was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Crystal Hile; father and mother-in-law, Donald and Marian Miller; and a brother-in-law, Steve Miller.
- His wife, Denise Hile, is a former technology trainer at Briljent, LLLC, and a former Adjunct instructor at Ball State University.
