Larry D. Jefferson

Larry Dean Jefferson, 88, Carmel, Indiana, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025 after a long illness. He was born November 27, 1936 in North Manchester, Indiana. He was the son of Lawrence and Daisy (Munson) Jefferson. Larry was a graduate of Central High School, North Manchester; attended Indiana University and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a minor in law. He worked for Ford Motor Company, Indianapolis Plant, for 38 years, in the controller's office.
In November of 1962, he married Manuella Dunham. During their 62 and a half years of marriage, they traveled to all 7 continents, 104 countries, 40 territories and islands, and all 50 states in the United States. They also enjoyed going to the theatre where they would partake in Broadway shows, Opera, and plays of all genre. They loved attending concerts, many of which were put on by the symphony orchestra.
Larry had the honor of being presented the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 1995 by Governor Evan Bayh. He was also presented the Imperial Potentate's Award of Merit in 2014 by Imperial Potentate John A. Cinotto.
Larry was very active in the Murat Shrine Temple. He held many offices during his tenure. He was President of Murat Reception, Pilgrimage Chairman, Director General for the 1995 Imperial Session, Director General for the Great Lakes Shrine Association held in Indianapolis. He was appointed Outer Guard and spent ten years becoming Potentate in 1993. In 1997 he was appointed Murat Treasurer and served in that role for 13 years. He served as President of Shrine Treasury Association of North America, and five years as the Murat Shrine Temple Recorder. He served as treasurer and director of the Royal Order of Jesters. Larry was 50 year member of the Blue Lodge Mason, Brookside Masonic Lodge #720 F.&A.M., Scottish Rite of Indianapolis Valley, Order of Eastern Star, and Murat Shrine. He was also a member of Red Cross of Constantine, Royal Order of Jesters, Raper Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar Indianapolis, International Association Legions Honor Shriners Hospital International, The Royal Order of Scotland, the Kachina Club, DeMolay Legion of Honor and the Order of Quetzalcoatl. In 2002 Larry was conferred the Thirty-Third Degree in Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction as a member of the Valley of Indianapolis.
Larry is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Jefferson, his mother Daisy Baines, his brother Donald L Jefferson and his sister-in –law, Beverly Jefferson. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 and a half years, Manuella Dunham Jefferson, his niece Karen Jefferson Clingler (Gary), his nephew Steven Jefferson (Cindy), two great nephews; Andrew Jefferson (Emily) and Cody Jefferson (Mollee), and a great-grandniece Robin Jefferson.
Visitation will take place from 11-12PM, Saturday, June 7th at Singleton and St. Pierre Funeral & Cremation Services, 7602 Madison Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227. A Masonic Funeral Service will follow at 12:00pm at the Funeral Home.
The family has suggested memorial contributions in Larry's name be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children c/o Murat Shrine Temple 510 N New Jersey Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 and the Scottish Rite Building Foundation, 650 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.