Lawrence O'Hare "Larry" Selhorst

Lawrence O’Hare Selhorst, affectionately known to family and friends as "Larry" and to his cherished grandchildren as "Poppy," passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loving family on August 8, 2026. He was 93 years old.

Born in Coldwater, Ohio, on January 4, 1933, Larry was a man defined by deep faith, intense drive, and quiet wisdom. His natural kindness and immense generosity touched everyone who knew him. Larry’s legendary career began in the steel industry, working in US Steel’s long products businesses. After gaining valuable experience with several wire manufacturing firms, his ambition led him to strike out on his own. In 1968, he founded American Spring Wire Corp. Larry led the business for decades as a respected wire industry entrepreneur before passing leadership and ownership to his family. His dedication to his life's work never truly ended; he continued to serve as a vital advisor to the company until his passing.

Throughout his career, Larry was widely recognized as a visionary pioneer in international trade, successfully developing complex, worldwide supply chains long before global sourcing became an industry standard. Beyond growing his own enterprise, he was a tireless champion for domestic manufacturing. He served as a prominent leader and developer of influential trade groups, dedicating his time and expertise to protecting and advancing the business interests of US-based producers on the global stage.

Larry was a devout Roman Catholic throughout his entire life. He was a pillar of his church communities, attending weekly Mass and making it a point to personally get to know the priests and clergy. His faith informed his civic life as well, as he remained active with several charities and philanthropies until his death. Larry personally set up the American Values Program in Philosophy scholarship at John Carroll University, his alma mater, in memory of his parents. The endowed fund has provided dozens of students opportunities to access higher education.

Larry was highly active in politics, vigorously interacting with and funding candidates who championed conservative causes. The walls of his home proudly feature photographs of Larry alongside world leaders, including Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Newt Gingrich. He was one of National Review magazine’s first subscribers, and a founding member of the National Review Institute. He served as a Director at Hillsdale College for decades.

Outside of business and politics, Larry had a profound passion for sports. He was a skilled golfer who maintained a low, single-digit handicap, and he spent a lifetime passionately cheering on his favorite Cleveland sports teams. This love for sports extended directly to his family; his children and grandchildren remain active athletes, and Larry took immense joy in eagerly attending their games and events, always serving as their greatest supporter.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, William J. Selhorst; his mother, Honore M. Selhorst; his brother, Daniel W. Selhorst; and his sister, Marcia A. Smith (nee Selhorst).

He is survived by his wife, Martha M. Selhorst; his brother, John B. Selhorst (Mary); and his children, Sandra S. Gibbons (Paul), Kathryn A. Klindera (Mark), and Timothy W. Selhorst (Mary). His remarkable legacy will also live on through his many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital located in Memphis, TN in Larry’s memory.