Larry Gene Stephens, devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend passed away peacefully at home on July 6th at the age of 74 surrounded by family.
Born on April 15th 1948 to James C and Ruby R (Turner) Stephens in Shelbyville, Indiana, Larry moved to Letts, Indiana with his parents and four siblings, Earl, Linda (Witkemper), Delores (McCreary), and Carol (Menefee) at the age of three. Larry continued to live in the Letts and Westport area throughout his life.
Larry graduated from Sandcreek High School in 1966. In high school, Larry was active in basketball, cross country and track, participating in the pole vault. After graduation, Larry attended Southern Ohio Business College and as a result was hired at Irwin Union Bank in 1967.
In February 1968, Larry joined the United States Army and honorably served as an Army Security Agent in Vietnam. A decorated veteran, he received many medals including a Purple Heart. Upon Larry’s return, he returned to Irwin Union Bank and retired after 30 years of service as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending.
Larry married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Manlief on April 26, 1970. During their 52 years together, Larry and Dorothy were blessed with three boys, Brad (Angie), Chris (Tricia) and Greg (Deana). Larry and Dorothy’s family grew over the years, and they were happy to spoil nine grandchildren, Ali, Courtney, Trentan, Kiersten, Shaelie, Kole, Owen, Kendell and Scott.
Larry loved to fish. Not only was it an enjoyable pastime for him, he loved sharing his love of fishing with his boys, grandchildren and friends. Larry enjoyed fishing so much he came out of retirement for a second career with Touchdown Lures as a National Sales Manager and as a National Promotions Director and Tournament Director for Crappie USA.
A seasoned traveler, Larry enjoyed taking trips all over the country with his family and friends. Over the years, Larry was able to see all but two states and loved to tell many stories about his travels with Dorothy, his boys, parents and in-laws, Goldie and Earl. It was during these travels that Larry found one of his favorite desserts, Shoofly Pie, had the CB name Largemouth Bass and said his favorite trip was when he met his parents and Dorothy in Hawaii.
Larry would tell you his greatest accomplishment in life was his three boys, Brad, Chris and Greg. Larry was a supportive dad being actively involved in their activities. Whether he was fishing with Brad or Greg or being Chris’ biggest supporter and crew chief during his go-karting days, all three boys would tell you they could not have asked for a more supportive and loving dad. This same support continued with his grandchildren being at their many activities even when his health declined.
A member of Westport Christian Church, Larry loved Jesus and was looking forward to fishing in heaven with Jesus and many family and friends that he planned to meet again. A visitation to honor and remember Larry will be held at Bass and Gasper Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 12th from 4 pm- 8 pm. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, July 13th at 10 am with Pastors Mike Bartlett, George Willette and Scott Henderson officiating. The burial will follow at South Park Cemetery with Military Gravesite Services. Memorial donations in Larry’s honor may be made to Hospice of Decatur County, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Indiana, or Sandcreek Alumni Scholarship Fund. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com