Obituary published on Legacy.com by Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter-Allen-Myhand on Jul. 25, 2024.
Larry Dean Shoemaker, age 79, of
LaGrange, GA was called home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2024. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 19, 1944 to parents Joseph and Opal Shoemaker, he was the youngest of three children.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 27 at 3:00pm at Higgins Funeral Home. Family will receive friends on Saturday at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 pm until service hour.
Upon graduation from high school Larry was awarded a basketball scholarship to Centenary College in Shreveport, La. After receiving his bachelor's degree in education, he began his professional career as a coach/schoolteacher.
After several years he started a new career in the trucking industry. Eventually returning to and retiring from teaching, Larry was saved at age 33 and thereafter dedicated his time serving at church. He loved children and therefore, served in the children's ministry. Two of his proudest achievements were being instrumental in starting a special needs Sunday School Class in Beaumont, TX. Later he worked with Stephanie Jackson to begin the Children's church ministry at Eastside Baptist Church in Minden, LA.
He loved going to school for his own continuing education. He was a Rosarian and a Master Gardner. In earlier years Larry married Judy Nichols and to this union were born three sons: Larry Dean Jr, Carl Bradley and Jeffery Lane. The loss of Lane in 2021 was a shock and a sorrow that never went away.
He found love again when he met and married Jennie. This union gave her three sons and gave him 1 daughter, Tammie. Together they had grands, greats and even a great great grand.
Left to cherish his memory is Jennie, his wife of 45 years.
Sons: Dean and wife Karen, Brad and partner Angela; daughter by marriage, Tammie Tullos and husband, Kirk.
Grandchildren: Joshua and wife Lorie Shoemaker, Wesley James Shoemaker, Bradley Lane and partner Eliza Shoemaker, Kristina and husband Jay Dorminy, Chad and wife Chelsi Tullos, and Angel and husband Alan Potter.
Great grandchildren: Gauge and Micah Shoemaker, Joshua Dean and David Lane Shoemaker, Courtney Adams and husband Joey, Riley and Maely Potter, Henri, Andrew and Alex Tullos.
Great great grandson: Jameson Adams.
He is also survived by his sister Shirley Barnett and husband Jake.
Sisters in law: Carol Honley, Pattie Powell, Jane Carver and husband Mark.
Brother in law: Hunt Powell and wife Dana.
He is also survived by many very loved nieces and nephews.
Preceding Larry in death in addition to his son, Lane, are his parents, Joseph and Opal Shoemaker; sister, Marilyn Lawrence; brothers in law, Jimmy Powell and Glen Honley; one very special great niece, Jennifer Smith and very special nephew, Drew Reno.
Graveside service will be at Lane Cemetery in Sibley,LA on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 3:00 pm. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of life at Hunt and Dana Powell's house at 862 Horseshoe Loop in Doyline, LA.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tumambing and staff for their excellent care and compassion during this journey. We also would like to thank Larry's caregivers, Jennifer, Tiera and Peaches for their loving, compassionate care and companionship. We are forever grateful for each one of you. In addition, to our caregivers we would like to thank West GA Hospice nurses, Brenda and Lacey, and nurse practitioner Wendy.