ANDERSON — Larry D Contos, former president and CEO of Pay Less Super Markets Inc., died in Anderson on Sept. 23, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer.
The son of Herbert J. "Bud" Contos and Eloise M. Contos, Larry was born Nov. 24, 1940, in Anderson. He married Margaret Louann Weaver on Aug. 31, 1963, and together they raised three children and built a life together.
Larry was a champion of the city of Anderson and one its most successful leaders.
Preceding Larry in death were his parents, Bud and Eloise. His beloved sister Dixie Contos passed in 2004. Larry and Louann lost their son, Colin Contos, in April 2017. As Larry's disease progressed, he found comfort that he would be reunited with his loved ones.
Larry is survived by his faithful wife of 55 years, Louann Contos, and daughters Courtney Contos and Meredith Contos-Brooks. His brother, Kim Contos, also survives. Sons-in-law Jason Smith and Steven Brooks shared a special bond with Larry, and will miss him for the rest of their days.
A proud grandfather, Larry leaves eight grandchildren: Chloe Contos, Claire Contos, Cade Contos McCord, Maitland Contos McCord, Landan Contos McCord, Aidan Contos Smith, Carson Contos, and Maya Brooks.
Extended family include brothers-in-law Dr. R. Wyatt Weaver (Judy) and Robert Weaver; sister-in-law Barbara Fyock; and nieces and nephews Rebecca Seiler, Margaret Schreiber, Cara Dykson, Heather Ramsey, Ashley Taylor, Casey Contos, Wyatt Weaver, Grant Fyock and Gretchen Fyock. Chris Wheeler of Miami, Fla., will also cherish his memory.
Larry graduated from Anderson High School and Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business marketing. After graduation, he became president and CEO of Pay Less Super Markets. Under his leadership the company expanded and prospered, with stores in Anderson and Lafayette, ultimately employing over 2,000 associates.
His vision in real estate changed the footprint of both communities with the development of Applewood Centre, Southtown Center, Cross Street Market Place, Elmwood Plaza and Lafayette Plaza South. Larry was also a founder, principal partner and board member of Ultra Steak, which led to successful ventures including Texas Roadhouse, Aspen Creek Grill and Little Caesars Pizza.
He was a president of Anderson Chamber of Commerce, a member of the board of directors of Anderson Corp. of Economic Development, Madison County Community Foundation, Paramount Heritage Foundation and Anderson Banking Co.; and was a member of the Saint John's Health Care Corp. board of trustees.
Additionally, Larry served as president of the Indiana Retail Grocers Association and the board of The Indiana Grocery and Convenience Store Association. He was a member of the board of directors for the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce.
On a national level, Larry served on the boards of The Efficient Consumer Response Joint Industry Committee, The Midwest Grocers Foundation and Food Marketing Institute. In 1998 he was chairman of The National Grocers Association.
As a proud IU alumnus, Larry supported the Hoosiers in various roles, including The Indiana University Alumni Association, The IU Varsity Club, Hoosier Hundred, The IU School of Business Alumni Association and The 12th Man Club. He was a member of Theta Chi, Alpha Iota chapter.
Throughout his life Larry was honored to receive many awards and honors. Highlights include Grocers Spotlight Award for outstanding service to the food service industry in Indiana, honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Anderson University, Madison County Indiana Business Leaders Hall of Fame and the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from the Indiana University Alumni Club of Madison County. In 1995, Larry was awarded the "Chief Anderson Award" and The Herald Bulletin named him "Person of the Year."
Open wheel racing was a lifelong passion of Larry's. In the 1980s a dream became reality when Pay Less sponsored Indianapolis 500 cars helmed by drivers Pete Halsmer, Arie Luyendyk and Tony Bettenhausen. He also was the owner of Contos Racing, which won the USAC National Sprint Car Championship in 1996 and 1997. His company, Pay Less Super Markets, became the corporate sponsor of famed sprint car race "The Anderson Little 500" in 1988. The partnership brought attention to the race and it continues to thrive today. After years of near misses and tough breaks, his team won the race in 2008 and 2012.
Larry D Contos leaves a legacy of business excellence, hometown pride and an enduring belief in giving back to the community. His community has lost a giant; his family and friends have lost a bright light that they will hold forever in their hearts. Godspeed. The race is done.
The family thanks Dr. Nassir Hanna and Julie Rasmussen for their kindness and care.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Butz- Diedring Funeral Service in Anderson.
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Memorials to The Animal Protection League, Riley Hospital for Children and IU Simon Cancer Center (lung and pancreatic cancer).
