Larry James McDermott

Larry James McDermott, 81, of Sweetser, Indiana, died Thursday, February 12, 2026 from a sudden illness. He was born on April 11, 1944, at St. John's Hospital in Anderson, Indiana, the son of the late James R. McDermott and Athleen F. (Gross) McDermott Campbell.

Larry was a graduate of Fairmount High School and continued his education at Ball State University and Indiana University Kokomo. He proudly served his country in the Indiana Army National Guard.

Larry was employed as Director of Sales at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Warsaw, Indiana, from which he later retired.

He was a faithful member of Sweetser United Methodist Church and most recently attended Farrville Community Church with his family. Larry was also a member of American Legion Post 313 and Masonic Lodge #635, both in Fairmount.

Larry enjoyed a wide variety of interests and hobbies, including fishing, playing cards, cooking, watching movies, collecting films, attending church, and spending time with friends and family. He especially enjoyed family dinners and social get-togethers. Larry was an avid sports fan, following Indiana Hoosiers basketball, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, and the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Bulls, along with college football and basketball for both men's and women's teams, and women's softball.

Surviving Larry are his daughter, Marlene Michelle Embry (husband Joe), and his son, Lance Michael McDermott (wife Rachel); grandchildren, Whitney Jo Embry Murray (husband Ben) , Courtney Michelle Montano (husband Victor), Chloe Marie Embry Popoca (husband Erick), Joel Charles Embry, Tyler James McDermott, Madison McDermott, Evan McDermott, Nathan McDermott, and Eliza McDermott; and great-grandchildren, Grayson Montano, Ruby Montano, Daisy Montano, Tighe Murray, Koa Murray, and Beckham Murray.

He is also remembered by his close friends Jeff Zmuda (wife Laura), Patty Ratliff, Bill Nolder, and Tim Slaughter.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his stepmother, Ruby McDermott.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fairmount Chapel Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Life Celebration Service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Alexander P. Soultz and Dr. Joseph Seaborn. Burial will take place at Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Farrville Community Church, 11044 E. 200 N., Marion, Indiana 46952.

Online condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.