Nelson "Ned" Loar III

Born in Peoria, Illinois on March 7th, 1934, Ned was the eldest and last surviving son of Nelson Arthur Loar II and Alwillah (Mecherle) Loar. Along with his parents, his brothers Gerald “Jerry” Willis Loar, Roger “Bud” Mecherle Loar, and David “Randy” Randolph Loar, precede him in death. He is survived by his only sister Valerie Keife.

Ned was an Illinois State High School Swimming Champion for Peoria High School. He placed 1st in the 200-yard freestyle (1952-53). He attended University of Illinois where he lettered with the swim team (1955-1957) becoming an All-American Swimmer. He was an ROTC student and graduated with his bachelor's degree in Finance.

Following college, he proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Army and Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Captain. In 1992, Ned continued his education at The American College of Financial Services in Pennsylvania, earning his master’s degree.

On November 15, 1957, Ned married his sweetheart, Barbara Jean Tyner after a blind date to church by pursuing her with dogged determination. They were blessed with three children. Ned was active in the lives of his children and participated in their chosen activities, including volunteering as a Boy Scout leader and co-leader for the Girl Scouts. He played the harmonica and enjoyed family singalongs with his siblings and loved the opera. He was a man of deep Christian faith and a longtime member and Deacon at the First Federated Church of Peoria. Ned followed in his father’s footsteps by working in the family business, State Farm Insurance. He retired as an Agency Manager after 40 years of service with State Farm.

Ned was a good man who was dedicated to his family, his community, and to his faith. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed. He leaves behind his beloved wife of more than 67 years, Barbara Jean Loar; his children, Steven Arthur Loar, James Edward Loar, and Alison Mecherle Loar; grandchildren, Peter Loar, Anna Loar, Bethany Loar Balser, and Jeremiah Loar; and his great-grandchildren, Owen & Evie Balser. Ned is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.

A Celebration of Ned’s Life will be held on Friday, June 20th, 2025 at the First Federated Church in Peoria. A Visitation will be held from 9:30 am - 10:30 am and the Funeral will begin at 10:30am. Burial at the Church Columbarium will immediately follow the funeral and a luncheon will be served. Memories of Ned and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.