Larry Ray Closson

Larry Ray Closson, beloved father, husband, and friend passd away April 14, 2025 in Lima, Ohio at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with pneumonia and other complications.  Born August 8, 1941, Larry lived a life full of love,  laughter, and dedication.  A special thank you to all the family and friends who stopped by the hospital to offer words of encouragement and support.

 Larry shared an all-time great love story with his wife, Sandra L. Closson (Dunn), being soulmates and friends for life.  He proposed to Sandy with a pre-engagement when they were both 19 and they married when they were 21.  Their bond was a testament to true love and partnership and inspired everyone who knew them.  Together, they created a loving home and a legacy of devotion and support.

Larry attended Ottawa Public Elementary and High School, where he played basketball and made many lifelong friendships.  Many will never forget the 1-point overtime win against Ottoville in 1959 when Larry scored a "fielder" to allow the boys to pull ahead!  He continued to follow Ottawa-Glandorf High School sports and made many trips to state tournaments with a caravan of friends and family.

Larry entered the Air National Guard in the early 1960's and soon began his career as a dedicated supervisor for Sylvania Electric Co. and Philips Display Corp. retiring after over 35 years.  He was known for his exceptional leadership and commitment, and he was an incredibly hard worker and earned the accolade of attending management training in Belgium.  He was thrilled that the trip included the opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

He was passionate about hunting morel mushrooms, bowling, sports, fishing and especially meteorology.  His family can attest that there was never a dull moment in the house with the weather radio or the weather channel always playing in the background!  His enthusiasm for these passions and hobbies was infectious and influential o all who knew him.

Larry loved  The Ohio State Buckeyes to the core, and he was the only Buckeye fan we knew who also loved to spend so much time in that state up north, but only for hunting morel mushrooms (in a still undisclosed "secret" location). He would take annual family toboggan trips (in another "secret" location0 and he instilled the love of winter in his children, Tony and Trudy, encouraging them to climb rooftop high snow  drifts during the blizzard of 1978.

Overall, his favorite job was being Grandpa and he treasured spending time with his seven grandchildren!  He spent as much time with them as he could, and he has always encouraged them to be themselves and let them run with their own ideas.  His oldest Grandson Zachary developed an amazing cross-generational relationship that knew no boundaries of age and time.  They became best buddies!

Larry was always fond of small-town life and the friendships he would develop.  He and Sandy spent time living in Indian River, Michigan, fulfilling a shared lifelong dream.  They eventually relocated back to Van Wert, Ohio, where Larry made many new friends and reveled in time spent with his grandchildren, cousins and close friends, during holidays, summer activities, and family reunions.  And we cannot forget the matchmaker he was, often playing cupid.  He spent many breakfasts and lunches with the "kids" and enjoyed fishing with them at some of their (secret) spots.  He will always be remembered for his generosity and camaraderie.

Larry was a devoted member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Van Wert, Ohio, where he found community and spiritual fulfillment.  He was very close with Pastor Will Haggis and the congregation.  Larry was also very fond of and grateful for Dr. Jacob Jones, who cared for Sandy and him throughout their golden years.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra L. Closson (Dunn): his father and mother, Raymond and Betty Jane Closson (Rigdon): his sister, Barbara Longwell (Closson): and his stepfather John Schwab.  Larry lost his father, Ray, while still a young man and without hesitation assumed the role of caretaker for his mother and three sisters.  Even in his golden years, when he had something important to share with them, he would call his sisters and say "This is your big brother, call me back."  Larry is surviived by his sisters, Nancy (David) Brinkman (Closson) and Diana (Donald) Fisher (Closson).

Larry is also survived by his loving family:  "his son, Anthony Ray Closson and his daughter-in-law, Sarah Closson  (Winters): his daughter, Trudy A. Cherok (Closson) and his son-in-law, Daniel Cherok.  Larry was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Zachary Closson, Joseph Winters, Elizabeth (Lizzi) Closson, Emma Closson, Penelope Closson, Lucia Cherok, and Julian Cherok and seven wonderful great-grandchildren.

Larry was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.  His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.  He will be remembered for his positive attributes, and his memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration.

Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Van Wert County Humane Society, where Larry often volunteered.