Larry Ray Stapleton

Larry Ray Stapleton didn’t just live a life; he built one he was deeply proud of.

A man of quiet strength and immense heart, Larry passed away after facing a courageous battle with cancer, not with bitterness, but with dignity, and courage.

Born the youngest of seven children on February 20, 1949, to Ray and Eva (Donathan)Stapleton, Larry grew up to be a warmhearted man.

Larry was a proud member of the PHS Class of ’68.

In 1969 he answered the call of his country serving two years in Vietnam—a sacrifice that grew into a quiet pride in his identity as a U.S. Army veteran. He was awarded The Vietnam Service Medal, Army Riffle Sharpshooter medal, 2 Good Conduct Medals and the National Defense Medal.

For Larry the 70’s was well…the 70’s! He lived hard, fast and was usually halfway to the county line before the dust or the trouble could settle.

On January 15, 1984, he married the love of his life, Jerri L. Ryan. For over 42 years, they defied the odds, building a family filled with more love, laughter and memories than they could count.

Larry was the ultimate “Girl Dad." He was the one freezing in the bleachers, rigging at the circus, chaperoning dances, and the hero who showed up at midnight when a car broke down. His daughters, Sarah and Darcey, were his North Star. The men they married Alex Kritzman and Nolan Hazlett became the sons he never had—his hunting buddies, his fishing partners, and his "students" in the art of being DIY fix it men.

These daughters and sons in turn, brought immense joy and pride to Larry and gave him the title of “Pumba” to Emma and Eli Kritzman and Parker, Grayson, and Olivia Hazlett. These 10 amazing humans were his life.

Larry traded his hard hat for the title of full-time on call Pumba, when he retired from his favorite job after 23 years, from the Peru Utilities Water-Wastewater department. He always appreciated having an amazing group of people to work with -even as LB!

Larry never regretted his choice to retire or the extra time he had to spend with his family and in his yard! In retirement he enjoyed packing weekend meal bags for children with the United Way—always showing up until his health no longer allowed it.

Larry found his peace in the woods or in a boat on the St. Joe River and "Up North," but he always reminded those with him that "catching fish is just a bonus—it’s the time together that matters." He was a proud friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob for over 40 years, knowing that the grace he found there saved his life and allowed him to become the man we all loved: slow to anger, quick to forgive, and incredibly rich in love.

Larry attended Family Fellowship Church of God and was greeted in heaven by his parents Ray and Eva, his sibling’s: Betty, Bob, Fay, Perry, Earl and his niece Kristy. His in-laws John and Joan, John K., Linda Ryan and nephews Richard Taylor III and Jack Ryan.

He is survived by his wife, daughters and sons, his five grands, his brother and sister in-law Jimmy and Audrey Stapleton, sister and brother in-law Melanie (Sue) and Richard Taylor (aka the curling team). His favorite Aunt Deloris, 23 nieces and nephews, so many great and great- great ones and cousins that he loved dearly and when you were with him you knew you were his favorite!

His miracle was not to be healed on earth but to have been given grace, courage and acceptance to face this journey.

He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith.

Services will be held on Friday, July 24th at New Life Church; 1803 E. Vaile Ave. Kokomo, IN 46901. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the service beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Crown Point Cemetery in Kokomo where Military Rites will be performed.

The family requests that no flowers be sent since his daughter owns House of Blooms Florist. Memorial contributions may be made to the weekend meal program for children through the United Way or the Circus City Festival scholarship fund. Envelopes will be available at the service.

The family wishes to thank the cancer center at Ascension St. Joe Hospital and Guardian Angel hospice especially his nurse Emma for the extra time they gave the family and kindness and care they gave Larry.

Shirey Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.shireyfh.com