Lawrence “Larry” Peter Larson, 82, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. He was born Dec. 3, 1940, in Oshtemo, the son of the late Robert and Nina (Cuddeback) Larson.
Larry called Paw Paw his home his entire life. He started his career as a local surveyor. Later, he proudly became a local businessman, owning the Oasis Party Store, Paw Paw, which he’d purchased from his late father-in-law, Robert Wade, in 1969. He worked there for over 50 years until the day he passed away.
Larry is fondly remembered for being a frequent fixture at “The Grill”, where he would obtain the latest news around Paw Paw and share stories with lifelong friends. Larry enjoyed many hobbies including golf, bowling, hunting, playing cards, and visiting casinos. He was fond of watching sports, cruising to 50s music, and traveling with friends. Larry’s favorite place to visit was Las Vegas, although he kept a list of places to never return to. Throughout his life he had great friends, the Niles Street boys, his high school classmates, and his coffee consultants. While on vacation, be it Australia, Bermuda, or Mexico, it was common that he would run into someone he knew. Larry certainly enjoyed new places, but Paw Paw was where he felt most at home.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathleen (Wade) Larson, son, Robert Michael “Whitey” Larson; and daughter, Elizabeth Larson. The youngest of six siblings, he is survived by his siblings, Norman (late Dolores) Larson, Suzanne (late Norman) Shanahan, Shirley (late Jim) Figg, and many nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Laurel (late Rudy) Ozanich and brother, Robert (late Shirley) Larson Jr.
Family and friends are invited to visit Sunday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw. The Rosary will begin at 4 p.m. with visitation following until 6 p.m. A Memorial Mass will follow on Monday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw, with the Rev. Fr. Alan P. Jorgensen officiating. Burial will take place at a later time at Saint Mary Cemetery, Paw Paw.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Paw Paw Fire Association, 832 South Gremps St., Paw Paw, MI, 49079 or to Saint Mary Catholic School, 508 East Paw Paw St., Paw Paw, MI, 49079.
Share a memory or sign the online guestbook at: www.adamspawpaw.com