LEHNING GREGORIE DECROW

Lehning Gregorie “Larry” DeCrow, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather peacefully died August 1, 2012 at home. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Jean Tinsley DeCrow. Through the years he was a member of Speedway Baptist Church, Eudora Baptist Church and First Evangelical Church. Larry, a native Memphian, graduated from Tech High School where he was a member of the debate team and an eagle scout in the Boy Scouts of America. It was his privilege to blow taps at military funeral as a boy. He attended Memphis State Law School until interrupted by WWII where he became a fighter pilot and retired a Lt Col. in the Air Force Reserves. He was a member of ye Anciente and secret order of Quite Birdmen. After the war years he was employed as a pilot with Delta Air Lines and was promoted to captain before he retired in 1982 after 32 years of service. Larry also established DeCrow Construction Company and operated it for 25 years. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until service at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 4 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. He leaves 3 daughters, Jan Lichterman of Memphis, Jeanie Johnson of Knoxville and Laurie McBride of Memphis. He was grandfather to Wendy Rhodes, Tinsley McBride, Jake McBride and Kimberly Carlson all of Memphis, Erin Saunders, Ben Johnson and Greg Johnson of Knoxville, great-grandfather to Paul Rhodes, Zachary Rhodes of Memphis, Griffin Saunders, Quinn Saunders, Tinsley Saunders, Kate Johnson and Anders Johnson all of Knoxville, Luke Carlson and Cole Carlson of Memphis. He also leaves his brother, James Kelley DeCrow and a host of nephews. He was a man who wasn't afraid to follow his dreams, put family first and who was a true friend to those fortunate enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Disabled American Veterans, or Lichterman Nature Center-Loewenberg Foundation.