Larry Lee Schuler

Larry L. Schuler, 90 of Lena passed away early morning on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Parkview Home in Freeport, IL. He was born on October 24, 1934, to Carl and Beatrice (McLaughlin) Schuler in Freeport, IL. Larry married LaVera Hulsey on May 5, 1954, in Pawhuska, OK and together they had 4 children; Carla, Lance, Rebecca, and Leif.

Larry had a passion for aviation as young as 4 years old, always knowing he would become a pilot one day. At the age of 16, he started flight lessons and got his pilot's license. After graduating from Pearl City High School, he went to Spartan School of Aeronautics where he received his commercial license to fly in 1953. At 19 years old he was too young to fly a commercial aircraft for airlines but wasn't too young to serve his country, so he went on to join the United States Air Force. He entered the Air Force as an Aviation Cadet and trained at Vance Air Force Base. His Air Force career included flying B-36, B-52 and FB-111 aircraft. He retired in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel with a Command Pilot aeronautical rating.

Upon his retirement, he and LaVera moved back to the Pearl City Area where they enjoyed their time together until her passing in 1999. Larry had a passion for helping his community and farming friends when needed. Whether it was helping with harvest or other chores, sorting pigs or lending a hand with a project, Larry was there to help. He found great joy in working on his lawn, gardening and woodworking from time to time. He was also a proud member of the Pearl City American Legion.

Larry met Trudi Gilley through a mutual friend, and they united in marriage on August 18, 2001. They were devoted to one another. They had many memorable trips across the world and the United States that they cherished.

He is survived by his four children- Carla (Bud) Bowlin of Leesburg, FL; Lance Schuler of Princess Cruise Lines; Becky Schuler of Lanark, IL and Leif "Jeff" Schuler of Lanark, IL: step children- Todd (Jackie Bass) Gilley of South Carolina, Tara Gilley of Louisville, CO, and Tanya Williams of Lena, IL: grandchildren- Dane (William) Hays, Amanda (David) Jeans, Jordan Schuler, and Jade Schuler: step- grandchildren- Mitchell (Kyleigh) Mikesell, Alyssa Williams, Paige Williams: great-grandchildren- Max, Blazyn, London, Eisley and Barron and step-great-grandchildren- Kenlynn, Kora, Gunner, and Briggs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife LaVera in September 1999 and wife Trudi in July 2025.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL with a visitation from 9:00 am until time of service.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Highland Cemetery in Pearl City, IL.

Bud Bowlin will be officiating the services.

Cremation rites to be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Larry's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. To donate online please use the following link.

https://dogood.t2t.org/IMOLarrySchuler