Larry J. Ashworth

1946 - 2024

Larry J. Ashworth

July 11, 1946 - November 2, 2024

MATTOON - Larry J. Ashworth, age 78 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at his residence in Mattoon, IL.

A funeral service in his honor will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Ron Dickinson will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Dodge Grove Cemetery, Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Larry was born on July 11, 1946, in Mattoon, IL to the late Charles Clinton and Patricia "Patty" Ann (Patterson) Ashworth Jr. He married Vicky Sue Driskell- Gordon on August 7, 1965, in Mattoon, IL; she preceded him in death on August 17, 2018. He is survived by one son, Steven "Todd" Ashworth of Mattoon, IL; one daughter, Angela E. "Angi" Ashworth of Mattoon, IL; five grandchildren, Cody T. Ashworth, Austin C. Ashworth, and Mitchel B. Hirsch all of Mattoon, IL, Lakota "Shay" Ashworth of Neoga, IL, Clayton R. Hirsch of Mattoon, IL; four great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Reese, Hazel, and Willow; one sister, Jeri L. Morris and husband Gary of Mattoon, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Bill and Phyllis Driskell.

Larry was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mattoon, IL. He was a local crop farmer in the Mattoon area and raised hogs in the early 70's through the early 90's. In his early years he worked at Bill Rasmussen Chevrolet and Pontiac as an auto body man. He was a member of the Coles County Farm Bureau of Coles County, IL, and was a contributing member of the Future Farmers of America.

Farming was a passion he loved to share with his children, grandchildren and anyone willing to learn. He taught and encouraged his children, Todd and Angi to raise and show hogs at local fairs as part of the Coles County 4-H and took pride in farming the land with Todd. He was diligent at crafting tractors and farm machinery out of sheet metal and wood, with the precision of making exact replicas.

A car enthusiast, Larry loved antique cars, race cars, and drag racing. He owned a Corvette for many years that he kept in his garage. He enjoyed snowmobiling, socializing, and participating in family volleyball games.

Spending quality time with his grandchildren, teaching, and being a positive influence in their lives was one of many great qualities that Larry exuded. He was kind, dependable, and a man of great integrity. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial donations in his honor may be made to SBL Regional Cancer Center, 1001 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938.

Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.