Larry Earl Walker
Larry Earl Walker, 81, a kind-hearted “strong man” of deep love for his family, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Larry was born November 17, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Earl and Leona (Smurr) Walker. He graduated from Charlotte High School in the class of 1961 and shortly after married the love of his life, Roxanne Pruden on August 10, 1963. He worked many years at GM, retiring in 1995, but farming was his lifelong passion, which he did right alongside his family until his retirement in 2002, when he slowed down only slightly. Larry and Roxanne worked hard, but they played hard, too.
Every summer holiday weekend, they hosted a huge campout with friends and family at the park they worked hard on at the back of the farm. Larry and his grandsons eventually even built a small log cabin shed on the property. Larry’s grandchildren were his world. He loved time spent with them, especially outdoors working, cane pole fishing, or on trips up North riding dirt bikes. His grandkids will remember him as a soft-spoken “super grampa” who attended all their sporting events and made sure to make a big family dinner for them each and every Sunday. No one left Larry and Rock’s house hungry. Larry lived his life by the Golden Rule – “treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Larry is survived by his son, Chad (Carolyn) Walker; grandsons, Benjamin (Lindsey) Walker and Christopher (Alexa) Walker; seven great-grandchildren, Jetzen, Dawszen, Ellyszen, Boszen, Hutzen, River Roxanne, and Ember Lynn; and several nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Roxanne; their daughter, Trina; and his sisters, Donna Johnson, Joyce Johnson, and Shirley Van Auken.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Hidden Creek Farms, 2181 E. Vermontville Hwy., Charlotte, MI. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice in lieu of flowers. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.