Larry Ralph Larson, 78, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, surrounded by his wife Judy, and other loved ones, just as he wanted to be, at his home of Eaton, Indiana, and into the waiting arms of his heavenly Father.

Larry was born on August 24, 1945, to Robert and Lois Larson, who preceded him in death, he was survived by his younger sister, Lynn. He was a loving and caring man to all that knew him.

After graduating from Warren High School in 1963, where his fondest memory was playing clarinet in the marching band "Hail to the Chief '' to President Kennedy, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree of chemistry at West Liberty University in 1967. During that time, he met his wife Judy Lynn Bickley Larson, while working at Cedar Point during the summers. They married the summer of 1967. Larry went on to get his master's in chemistry at West Virginia University after serving in the Air Force during Vietnam. During Larry and Judy's time in the Air Force and earning his Master's, they had 3 children: son Eric Larson (Michelle Arbuckle), twin daughters, Heidi Swartz (Chris Swartz) and Heather King (Britt King). They have 4 grandchildren, Jacob Larson (34), Travis (24) and Cassandra (24) Swartz, Ethan Swartz (17), and Savannah King (16). 1 great granddaughter, Katie Swartz (1).

If you knew Larry, you knew his love of sports, especially his love of the Cubs and the Steelers, each of which he had tattooed on each shoulder later in life. Another love of Larry's was Heinz Ketchup! It went on, in abundance, just about everything! He was so proud that his Steelers played in Heinz field. He even had his daughter Heidi, make him a sweatshirt that he proudly wore well past the years it should have been worn, with the Steelers and Heinz ketchup on it, two of his loves he found humor with. Larry's humor... he could always make himself laugh, well before he could get to the punch line. Larry's passions also included history, air and space, and he recalled sport stats and events like no one else! His love for cats was constant, always adopting one from somewhere to have multiple cats. His recent beloved cats, had to be some of his favorites with Serena (preceded) at the top and Shelby, who he traveled halfway to Virginia to adopt, from his grandson Travis. Shelby will miss Larry terribly. With his love of air and space, Larry was thankful that he was able to see the most recent Solar Eclipse with the help of family, hospice, and neighbors. But most of all, Larry liked a good story. You never left Larry without a long story. Some of his favorite stories was the time he was able to spend with his son-in-law Chris, as he flew as a dependent for a tiger cruise onto the USS America Naval carrier. His trip out west to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, a bucket-list, with his son Eric, which included memorable moments in Las Vegas. Also, his trip with his wife Judy, daughter Heather and grandson Jacob through Canada and New England. Not only on one of his greatest pastimes sports, but also his passion for history had endless discussions with his son-in-law Britt. Along with hours and hours of phone calls and discussions of politics with his daughter Heidi. Sometimes these conversations would last so long, and Larry could get so passionate, Judy would be in the background having to calm Larry down. Larry LOVED to talk. He is proud of his grandson Travis, joining The Navy and serving in Arlington as a Ceremonial Guardsman, as a 21 Gun Salute for burials, his grandson Ethan, for accomplishments well beyond what doctors ever thought he would do and his recent graduation this June. He loved his oldest grandson Jacob for the man he has become, and his only granddaughter for the sweet and talented girl she is, with love for music and instruments that he shares. Larry was loved by all that knew him. He served at his beloved Emmanuel church in Manville, New Jersey in numerous ways. His love of carpentry and handyman electrical skills was only passed onto his son-in-law Chris who had the patience to learn from Larry. A simple project would certainly take Larry longer to complete since he would research it over and over with many trips to the hardware store. Those skills led him a special title as he served as a Delta High School "Guard Dad" during his daughter Heather's years as a member of color guard. Later in life he loved serving as a tutor to after school children at Eaton Elementary, with his men's group from their current, Eden's Church of Christ. He was always helping family members and others, even strangers, when in need. Larry's love and compassion will be missed, truly by all that knew him.

A memorial celebration of life, starting off with Military Rites performed by the United States Air Force, will be held at noon, on Larry's birthday, Saturday, August 24, at the Eden Church of Christ St. Rd 3, Muncie, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tunnel of Towers and/or to The Dickens missionary, in his honor. Larry's love of God's missionary work along with military and first responders will continue on.

https://www.munciemission.org  -  dave.dickens@cru.org  - nancy.dickens@cru.org

Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier.

Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com