Larry Lee Masterson, 78, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday afternoon April 8, 2022.
He was born in Plymouth, Indiana on February 9, 1944, to Dillard “Tex” and “Bessie” Wilma Arlene (Parrish) Masterson. He attended West High School.
In the Spring of 1963, he would marry Cheryl Lynnae Emrah in her parents’ home and welcome three children: Tammy Jo, Larry Lee Jr., and Christopher William. The two would separate but would always be there for their children. Cheryl would precede in death in 2012.
In October of 1998 on a random Kroger shopping trip, Larry would run into Kathy Okerbloom and ask her out on a date for that Saturday night. She would agree and the two have been the best of friends since.
Larry was a handyman of many trades which included being a trucker, owner of Masterson Body Shop and logging. His motto was “If you’re going to do it, do it right.” Precision, attention to details, and being self-reliant and self-taught were some of the traits he passed down to his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was huge into horse pulling with his ponies and Belgians. Larry enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, and he loved working recently at Paul’s Logging and Wood Products operating the sawmill. Larry was also a master gardener, maintaining 7 gardens every year and sharing his passion for gardening with his family.
He was fun loving and when it came to the grandchildren and nieces and nephews, he knew how to be laid back. He loved family and they share many memories of hog roasts, fishing runs, camping and horse and wagon rides. Larry was also in the Blueberry Festival with his horses.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Tammy Jo of Plymouth; grandchildren: Ashley Mccowen, Robby Masterson, and Cortnee Eggert; 5 great-grandchildren: Kyle, Cole, Kinely, Faie and Jacob; sister, Suzanne Parker of Mishawaka; his loving companion for 25 years, Kathy Okerbloom of Plymouth as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Larry Lee Jr. and Christopher Masterson; and siblings: Dillard “Bud” Masterson Jr., and twin sisters Joan Monteleone and Jean Flosenzier.
A ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 1 p.m. with a celebration to follow at Pretty Lake United Methodist Church, 8985 SR 17, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Memorial contributions can be made to Humane Society of Marshall Co, PO Box 22, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Caryn Durski, Funeral Director
Rex and Vicki Miller says
We will miss seeing his beautiful sunflowers every summer. Last fall he let us take the pumpkins for our cows. They loved them. Thanks Larry ! I’m sure God will give you your own garden in heaven 🙏🙏🥲 thank you for your kindness
Becky Anderson says
Tammy, Kathy, and family…..
I’m so sorry for your loss. Larry was a part of my life for many years and, even tho’ we’d lost touch recently, he would always say hello and have a smile for me when I’d see him out and about. I was glad to be able to visit with him last October. He was a good man, loved his family, and enjoyed life. He will be missed!
Love and prayers to all during this time.
Mark & Becky
Mike Davis says
I’m so sad to see this news. I got to know Larry many years ago. He was a regular customer at the Ridge company auto parts in Plymouth. I literally mixed hundreds of gallons of automotive paint for him and we Shared many conversations. I lost track of him when I moved to South Bend in the late 80s but occasionally our paths would cross paths either at blueberry or at the Plymouth farmers market on Saturday mornings. Larry will be messed, My thoughts and prayers are with Tammy and Kathy And family.
Mike Davis
Linda Martin says
We lost a great guy. I went to school with Tammy Jo and when we hung out Larry was always a fun dad; except when Tammy and I got caught squirting cows milk at the cats instead of in the bucket. Thanks for being the Cool dad Larry and for the talks we would have out in the yard. My deepest condolences to Tammy and family, I Love you.
Betsy Story says
Kathy,
My sister and I are very sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. He was always helpful to my mother. All our sympathies and prayers.
Betsy and Sheryl Story
Kathy Cooper. says
My deepest sympathy to the family and to Tammy Joe. Your dad was such a nice man Tammy Joe. My heart breaks for you.