Larry R. Johnson

Larry R. Johnson

July 15, 1941- February 26, 2026

Larry R. Johnson 84 of Monroe, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2026, surrounded by family.

He was born July 15, 1941 to Henry & Geraldine (Navarre) Johnson. He attended Ida Public Schools.

Larry came from humble beginnings. He was the oldest son of nine children. When his family needed him, he didn't hesitate to jump in to help provide what was needed. Hard work was never something he talked about, it was simply who he was.

As a teen he worked at Kline's Department Store in downtown Monroe. During this time is when he met his future wife, Barbara Lee Kilbourn. One day he stopped at the Independent Dairy where Barb was working behind the counter scooping ice cream. He stopped for the ice cream and instead met the love of his life. They were married on June 17, 1961, and together built a life centered on family, raising six children and sharing 64 years of marriage.

In the early years Larry worked many jobs, including at GM, Guardian Glass, and Hun-Ray Tower. In 1972 he started his own business, Great Lakes Tower & Antenna Co., Inc., now based in Flat Rock, Michigan. Without a formal education, he built the company from the ground up through sheer determination, learning as he went, solving problems as they came, and refusing to quit when things were hard. His family watched it grow from an idea into a livelihood, and it was something they were always proud of.

Larry not only employed family, but treated everyone who worked there like family. He believed in giving people a chance and helping them succeed, and he made sure those around him did better because he was there. He mentored his children to eventually take over the business and gave them the space to grow it in their own way, proud to watch what they would build from what he started.

As he became successful, he never forgot where he came from. Larry was one of the most caring, compassionate and generous men you could meet. His door was always open and there was always a pot of coffee on. He loved to talk and could easily talk your ear off, especially if you stopped by just to say hello. He never sat still and was always working on something or helping someone.

Family and friends knew they could come to him for anything. He truly would give the shirt off his back. He was happiest when he was taking care of others and making sure everyone around him was alright. Even when he was sick, he would still say, "I have a family to take care of." He remained a provider at heart and was often admittedly stubborn about accepting help himself.

Larry was always an avid outdoorsman and his wife was a perfect match. They both enjoyed fishing, hunting & camping together. They would often compete with who could catch the biggest fish or who could shoot the deer with the biggest rack. Barb would often beat him, and when he told you about it, the pride in his voice made it clear he wouldn't have had it any other way. They loved to spend time up North at the trailer, at "The Farm," their property in Clare, MI, and traveling in their motorhome. They both loved the casino, including several trips to Las Vegas over the years. In his later years he wanted one more Las Vegas trip, so he took his wife, his brother and his children & their spouses for one more trip to Vegas.

Larry was always about family. He loved cookouts, family parties, and simply having everyone together. His greatest happiness was seeing his family cared for and happy. Being surrounded by his family brought him his greatest pride and joy. He was a devoted caregiver to his eldest son, Larry, whose care was always at the center of his life. Much of what he worked for and built was with him in mind.

Larry built a beautiful life through hard work, generosity, and dedication to those he loved. The legacy he leaves behind lives on in his family and in the many people whose lives are better because he was part of them.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, and children: Steven (Annette) Johnson, Julie (Junior) West, Kathy (Phil) Hubbard, and Scott (Lynann) Johnson.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kristina (Ryan) Molnar, Derek (Laura) West, Charles (Becky) West, Philip Hubbard, Alyssa (Josh) Pinson, Steven (Britney) Johnson, Chad (Amanda) Johnson, Chris (Emily) Johnson, Brooke (Tom) West, Blake Johnson, and Britton Johnson.

He is further survived by his siblings: brothers Henry (Judy) Johnson, Tim Johnson, and Tom Johnson; and sisters Marilyn Bossick, Ila Revel, and Brenda (Dave) Higby.

He is also survived by several great-grandchildren as well as family and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Geraldine (Navarre) Johnson; his sons, Larry R. Johnson Jr. and Brian Lee Johnson; his sisters, Loretta Daniels and Judy Coots; and his granddaughter, Anna Johnson.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Rupp Funeral Home from 2 to 8 pm, with a rosary service at 7 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Gabriels Catholic Church of Ida on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Larry will lie instate at 10:30 am with Mass starting at 11 am. Officiating is Fr. Christopher Muer. Burial will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery, Ida. A luncheon will follow burial at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 202 W. Front Street, Monroe.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com