Larry Dee Lewallen Sr., a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 4, 2024. Born on July 23, 1944, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Charles Maurice and Ruby Naomi (Firestone) Lewallen, Larry lived a life filled with love, hard work, and passion for his family and interests.
Larry dedicated his career to working in Quality Control, including roles at Dana Corporation, Manchester Tool & Die, and Biomet, where he eventually retired in 2010. Alongside his professional achievements, Larry found joy in woodworking, fishing, and spending time outdoors, always willing to lend a helping hand or share a laugh with those around him. Larry was a faithful member of Harvest Community Church in Pierceton, where he praised his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A skilled remodeler, Larry poured his heart into renovating every home he shared with his beloved wife Goldie (Howard) Lewallen, whom he married on December 22, 1963. Together, they shared fifty-four wonderful years until Goldie's passing in 2018.
Larry's passion for steam traction engines was evident in his memberships in Maumee Valley Antique Steam & Gas Association in New Haven, Northeast Indiana Steam & Gas Association in LaGrange, Tri-State Gas Engine & Tractor Association in Portland, and the Sawmills & Thrashers in Fort Wayne. He owned and cherished three engines throughout his life, a 1922 Port Huron, 1922 Advance Rumely, and a 1904 Ad-M Rumely.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Kim Lewallen, Columbia City; son, Larry "Shorty" Lewallen Jr., Milford; sisters, Karen Kay Keister, Warsaw and Eva Lou (Jack) Hamilton, Milford; seven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Charles Lewallen; mother, Ruby Kiser; brothers, Jerry Lee Lewallen and Dennis Aquilla Lewallen.
Family and friends may call Friday, June 7, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brian Pinson and Pastor Mark Perkins officiating. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Servia, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Larry Dee Lewallen Sr., memorial contributions may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, to assist with final expenses.
The family of Larry Dee Lewallen Sr. has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com
