LIGONIER – Larry Lee DePew, 76, left this world to be with The Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at home in Syracuse.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1942, the son of Monroe “Tony” L. and Irene J. Myers DePew in Sturgis, Mich. Larry married the love of his life, Peggy C. Hudnall, in Phillipsburg, Ohio, on Dec. 21, 1963. Together they shared nearly 55 years of marriage and raised three sons and a daughter.
Larry arrived in Ligonier in second grade, graduating from Ligonier High School in 1960. His academic career started at Manchester College and he received a bachelor of science in business from Purdue University. A hard worker all his life, he grew up working in the family business.
Larry also spent many wonderful summers with his Grandma/Grandpa Myers and Uncle Bob working their farm. In the mid ’80s, Larry and Peg purchased DePew Plumbing, Heating and Electric from his parents and continued to own and operate the business for many years. His children fondly remember the years he spent driving cross country as they showed their Pony of the Americas.
Larry loved the Lord, loved his family, and cared for his fellow man, not only in word but by the actions of his daily walk on this earth. He was a member of Stone’s Hill Community Church in Ligonier until becoming a snowbird; then they attended Calvary Chapel in Sarasota, Fla. During the summers at Lake Wawasee, Larry and Peg attended boat-in worship at Oakwood Park.
Larry truly had a servant’s heart and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was passionate about volunteering and did so in countless ways, such as mission trips to Jamaica, volunteering at Doctor’s Hospital in Sarasota and spending countless hours helping neighbors, especially his beloved Oakwood Community in Syracuse.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy C. DePew, Syracuse; their sons and spouses: Anthony (Adrienne) DePew, Wawaka; Christopher (Hollie) DePew, Glasgow, Ky.; and Andrew (Trish) DePew, Noblesville; a daughter, Kate Whited and Mark Whited, both of Charlottesville, Va.: five grandchildren, Jarod DePew, Colton DePew, Dakota DePew, Sophia Whited, Grace Buchanan; sisters: Joyce (Howard) Brown, Mesa, Ariz., and Diane (Gary) Badorek, Frisco, Texas; along with many well-loved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sue Coy.
In keeping with Larry’s wishes, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 at Stone’s Hill Community Church, 151 W. Stones Hill Road, Ligonier. Pastors Joey Nelson, David Schramm and John Lutton will officiate. Burial will occur directly after the service at nearby Oak Park Cemetery.
The family invites all friends and family to attend an early supper for fellowship and sharing of Larry’s life at the Stone’s Hill Community Church reception hall directly after the burial.
Special thanks to Jessica and everyone at Center for Hospice for the loving care you provided for our husband and father.
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Larry asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Stones Hill Community Church for Jamaica missions, or to One Mission Society, c/o Kelly Coy Nolting, PO Box 1648, Monument, CO 80132-1648.
Yeager Funeral Home is caring for the family during this time. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.
