LARRY ADMIRE
ALTON — Larry R. Admire, 80, passed away peacefully at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 at his home with his family by his side under the loving care of O.S.F St. Anthony's Hospice.
Larry was born Nov. 9, 1936 in Jerseyville to the late Ray and Juanita (Green) Admire.
The family moved to Alton and he attended Alton schools, graduating from Alton High School in 1954. Following his graduation from high school he enlisted in the Army and proudly served for two years, most of the time in Germany. Upon his return he attended Shurtleff College, and was employed by Owens Illinois Mold Manufacturing, and Retail Credit, before beginning his 34-year career as a State Farm Agent with an office in Bethalto.
He retired in December 2006. He was an avid bowler, tennis player, golfer, and bird hunter. He was active in the community, serving with the Alton/Godfrey rotary Club, the Optimists, an officer with the Regional Growth Association. He served on the board of directors of the Alton/Wood River Sportsman's Club, Lockhaven Country Club, and the Lewis and Clark Community College Booster Club. He and Barb currently belong to Westlake Country Club.
On Feb. 14, 1984 he married the former Barbara Cobeck. They enjoyed almost 33 very happy years together. She survives. Also surviving are three sons, two daughters and a step-daughter. Todd (Mary Pat) Admire of St. Louis; Jud Admire of Alton; Stacey Semanisin (Adele Langlois) of Sugar Land, TX; R. Scott Admire of Alton; Shannon Admire-McDill of Alton; and his step-daughter, Julie (Chris) Childs of Louisville, Mississippi. Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren: Ian Admire of Rosewood Heights; Ryan Admire (Michelle Diaz) of Edwardsville; Tyler (Katie) Admire of Prairietown; Justin Admire (Leah Kiger) of Greenfield; James Semanisin (Brittany Bessiere) of Marietta, Georgia; Jessica Semanisin (Mike Corbin) of Marietta, Georgia; Riley Semanisin, Lucas Admire and Genna Admire of Alton; Patrick McDill of Fort Bragg, NC; Jameson McDill of Alton; and two step-grandchildren: Molli Childs and Tanner Childs of Louisville, Mississippi; Adele's two children, Michlynn and Dylan Langlois of Texas and Leah's son, King. Also surviving are three great-granddaughters, Anslie Semanisin of Marietta, Georgia, Kylie Semanisin of Marietta, Georgia, and Coraline Admire (due March 15th) of Edwardsville.
He is also survived by two very special nieces, Kelli Schenk Thompson (Charley), and Jodie Schenk Krueger (Eric Brand) and their families.
He is also survived by Chloe, a special Westie and many dear friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Admire in March of 2014, and Carol Admire in May of 2015. We would like to thank all the wonderful health professionals that have taken care of Larry. Especially Dr. Michael Adams, Dr. Elaine Majerus, Dr. Maria Gonzales Mayda, the nursing staff at Alton Memorial and Barnes.
The Home Health Care Team of OSF St. Anthony's especially Marcia, Trish and so many more, and finally the Hospice Team at O.S.F St. Anthony's especially Jess and Amber.
A memorial visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Private burial will be held at Valhalla Memorial Park with full military honors by the VFW Post 1308. Memorials may be made to the 5A's Animal Shelter, or the Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation (MDS), 4573 South Broad Street, Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 7, 2017
60 years of friendship goes along way to preserve many memories. Basketball in high school at the YMCA, tennis, golf,trips to California, the Northwest all brought wonderfu times.; especially the accidental rowdy meeting in Germany when we were in the service and then moving into an apartment without knowing we were going to live next door to one another after discharge. I shall never forget you dear old friend, you did good! Love to Barb and family, but they already know we care so much. Love Jack and Cindy Brown
February 6, 2017
I haven't seen Larry for a couple years. He and I moved to Bethalto and changed careers at the same time, him with State Farm and me as a Realtor. But I new him with Retail Credit (1971) also,. bowling for 10+ at Bowl Haven with Jerry, Grady. Jerry and Tom. Just a swell guy, a good professional insurance agent and always fun to be around. Even though I missed the last few year I will remember him. God Bless your family.
Charlie Bertels,Bethalto
February 6, 2017
To the Admire Family: Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 5, 2017
Larry was the real deal. His smile says it all! Loved and Admired!!!!! Oxoxox to the whole family.
jim & Rosie Murphy
February 5, 2017
Dear Barb & our Precious Admire Kids, Todd, Judd. Scott, Stacey, & Shannon, Jim & I send love & prayers your way for your your loss of one of our favorite friends. Our children grew up together on 16th Street & we have such wonderful memories of Larry.. God be with all of you during this difficult time. Love, Jim & Rosie Murphy
February 5, 2017
Barb, so sorry to see of Larry's passing. We won't be able to attend the funeral as we are in Florida. You and the family are in our thoughts. Nancy and Larry Dallas
Rick Marteeny
February 5, 2017
So sad to hear of Larry's passing. I had the privilege of serving as Larry's manager when I first moved to Edwardsville. He was always kind and generous with his time towards me. A true gentleman. Our prayers go out to his family and friends.
Dianne & Rick Simpson
February 5, 2017
We saw in the Telegraph that Larry passed. We are saddened that we can't be there with you; and our hearts go out to you and Larry's family. Larry was a dear friend we will miss during our future visits. May Larry R.O.P.
Jim and Kay Gross
February 5, 2017
Barb, Jim and I want to send our deepest sympathy to you and Larry's children. We are in Florida and won't be able to attend services. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda & Jerry Chiolero
February 5, 2017
Our heartfelt condolences to you Barb, Larry's children, and your extended families. We are both shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of his passing. We totally thought the world and all of Larry; seldom did we ever see him without his wonderful smile. He and Jerry shared such a wonderful friendship spanning about 70+ years. You two were truly blessed with such a loving marriage and friendship; we always enjoyed the times that we got to spend with you during our visits to Alton. We hate that we live so very far away, especially at times such as this. You and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers over the difficult days ahead. God bless! Sending you much love across the miles.
With Love, Linda and Jerry Chiolero
Buck and Jean Hord
February 5, 2017
Our prayers and sympathy to Barb and family, I had the pleasure to know Larry for many years and will always remember his constant smile and great personality. Sending this with a heavy heart
Buck and Jean Hord
February 5, 2017
What a nice guy. He took care of our whole family with insurance always going to bat for us. Had a lot of good time with him. Our deepest sympathy. The Gene Wrischnik family
Mary Lou Worsham
February 4, 2017
I pray that God will be with you Barb in the difficult time ahead as you are so deserving after months of your loving care of Larry.
Your Aunt Mary Lou
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