12/21/2024
All of us at the shop will miss Larry stopping in to give us a hard time or just honking the horn as he drove by.
RIP buddy.
Larry Eugene Hamlin, 73, of Nokomis, IL passed away at his home on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. He was born on August 1, 1951 in Hillsboro, IL to Cletus and Marcella Hamlin.
Larry started at Firestone when he was 20 years old, in 1971. He set records for tire production during his career before retiring in 2001. In his younger years, Larry also set numerous records involving his athleticism, specifically in golf and bowling tournaments. In those days it was not uncommon for him to enjoy scenic motorcycle rides for hours, whether it be by himself, with his friends, or even with his nieces and nephews. He loved to entertain people any chance he got; always sharing a new joke, a comical bumper sticker, or just stopping in town or in the field to chat. None of us will forget his partners in crime โFredโ and โWilmaโ often in tow, waving to everyone while riding shotgun in his car.
Larry took great pride in spoiling his nieces and nephews and also all of their children. He was always pleased to provide them with a new toy, such as, four-wheelers, bridges to play at and drive across, paths through the woods, club houses, gifts in the mail, snacks, and special treats - you name it, he bought it for them. They were his pride and joy and he lived each day to put smiles on their faces.
Larry is survived by family members, Doris (Clem) Huber of Ramsey, Darlene Uri of Nokomis, Lester (Diana) Hamlin of Nokomis, Lynn (Susan) Hamlin of Nokomis, Christy (Roy) Mashaney of Mapleton, Cindy Crowe of Nokomis, and Ellen (wife of the late Terry) Crowe of Nokomis; nieces and nephews, Leroy (Jerri) Huber, Debbie (Craig) Kassel, Tony (Nancy) Crowe, Troy (Teresea) Crowe, Jonathan (Alisha) Beal, Marla (Darren) Beal, Sabrina (Ralph) Jones, Logan (Karri) Hamlin, Samantha (Zachary) Bryant, Sierra (Eric) Dodd, Lukas (Elizabeth) Hamlin; and great nieces and nephews, Kyle, Kristen, Lex, Claire, DeAndre, Kaelynn, Haley, Mya, Leighton, Leander, Paislee, Evelynn, Marcella, Dean, Heidi, Rose, and Beau.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus, Marcella and Odelia Hamlin; and siblings, Loren Hamlin, Terry Crowe, and Patricia Hamlin.
Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, make your family smile and buy your nieces and nephews some Ding-dongs. Larry would have liked that.