Edward LaVerne Hallstein

Edward LaVerne Hallstein, 88, of Grove City passed away at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Living Center in Grove City.

He was born in Portersville and was a lifelong resident there until 2006.

He was the son of Carl Zembeck Hallstein and Earla Aleta Ray Hallstein.

He graduated from Portersville-Muddy Creek Township High School in 1948.

Ed married Sarah Lee Aspinall on Feb. 3, 1950.

He worked for Portersville Stainless Equipment Corporation from 1950 until 1976, and later worked for Applied Systems located in both Saxonburg and Butler, from 1976 until his retirement in 1985.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Portersville from early childhood throughout most of his life.

He will be remembered for his love of music and singing at church and weddings.

He was a founding member of the Portersville-Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department. He had a lifelong interest in automobiles, driving race cars, collecting toys and trains, traveling with his wife throughout the United States, visiting historic sites and attending NASCAR races.

They visited many of the presidential birth sites, residences, cemeteries and libraries. They were part of the Bicentennial tour in 1976 and saw their grandson, Steve, travel on the ceremonial wagon on the very last leg of the journey representing the long trek from California into Philadelphia.

For 20 years, Ed was involved in Barr Racing and especially watching #25 driven by his grandson, Steve. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family.

He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He will always be deeply loved and missed forever by his wife and family.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah at home; his daughter, Carrie L. (James) Barr of Grove City; eight grandchildren, Susan L. (Ted) Kane, James E. (Dana) Barr, Steven P. Barr, T. Michael (fiancé Nikki) Barr, Jodie L. (Josh) Halin, David R. (Lisa) John, Deana R. (Tom) Palla and Joseph B. (Missy) John; eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Polly Aspinall; and his nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sandra John Koziar; a sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Leslie Fisher; and his great-grandson, Chad Spahn.

HALLSTEIN — The family of Edward LaVerne Hallstein, who died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, will receive friends from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at 5 p.m. Sunday at Smith Funeral Home, Village of Leesburg, 1778 Perry Hwy., Volant.Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with the Rev. David Lingle, retired pastor from Mercer presiding.Entombment will follow on Monday, in Greenlawn Burial Estates, Mount Chestnut, Butler.