Lawrence "Larry" Worth Jr.

Lawrence “Larry” L. Worth, Jr., 84, a farm boy born September 27, 1936, in Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away on April 23, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio.

Larry was a kind, caring, and soft-spoken family man. Though well-grounded, he challenged gravity by fearlessly jumping out of airplanes as an Army paratrooper (1956-1959) and by excitedly co-piloting a Cessna on his 80th birthday. He loved reading books and listening to Johnny Cash, Big Bands, theme music of western TV shows, and most of all, the melodies that came from his daughter’s clarinet. He excelled in athletics at Hillsdale High School (class of 1954) and at Hillsdale College (B.S. Business Administration, 1962), playing football and basketball. But his favorite sports became those in which his son was playing or coaching.

Even though Larry traveled the world and saw many landscapes, nothing was more satisfying to him than to be at home with family or on a lake fishing in his 12 ft aluminum bass boat. Whether he returned with fish or just a fish tale did not matter to his wife of more than 50 years, whom Larry loved and cared about deeply. The two journeyed through life together, sharing a humble yet inviting home that was fortified by their unwavering love and dedication to their family.

Talking with Larry was like hearing little lessons in history: anecdotes told with a smirk as he divulged mostly true stories about his brother, their life on the farm, their younger siblings, their horse-riding shenanigans, and other memorable lore. As his family grew, the stories included proud accounts about the antics and awards of his children and grandchildren…equally as entertaining and mostly true as described by a doting father and grandfather.

When he learned how to use Facebook, Larry enjoyed connecting with extended family and friends. He was always “in-the-know” about his nieces, nephews, cousins, out-of-country family, co-workers, and even pets of family members and friends from long ago. He cherished all their adventures as well, adding them to his bevy of stories with which to interestingly or humorously share with others on any occasion.

Larry was loved, respected, and admired for his faithfulness to and love of his family, care and respect for others, passion for life, sacrifice to his country, determination in work, and humor in circumstance. He will be truly missed!

Larry was preceded in death by his father Lawrence, his mother Eleanor, his nephew Brandon, and family members lost in wars. Larry is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” Worth; children Pamela “Pam” Worth and Lawrence “Larry” Worth III; daughter-in-law, Arica Robbins Worth; brother Gerald “Gerry” Worth and wife, Marty, brother Ronald “Ron” Worth and wife, Kathy, and sister Linda Worth; granddaughters Lara Worth and Remington “Remi” Worth; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family of in-laws, and many more including Bruce (Worth) Morris and his children, Haley, Cassidy “Cassie” and Stephanie and his grandchildren, Addison “Addie” and Grace.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Radiant Life Church, 7100 Post Rd, Dublin, Ohio 43016. Visitation with family and friends is from 1:00 – 2:00 PM with a brief ceremony starting promptly at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to attend. Casual attire preferred.