06/15/2026
The only word I could form on Monday after finishing Dad’s service was WOW.
I’ve had a week to gather my thoughts, and I’d like to expand on that one word. My family and I have been in complete awe of the incredible outpouring of love we’ve received. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, called, texted, messaged, stopped by, sent cards, brought food, delivered gift baskets and paper goods, sent flowers and tributes, loved on our kids, mowed our yards, offered to help at the store, stood patiently in the long visitation line, braved the floodwaters to attend the funeral, and—most importantly—shared your stories about Dad. I know there are so many things I’m forgetting and names we may have missed writing down, so I want to make sure it is said here: thank you. Thank you for keeping us afloat these past couple of weeks. You have been the tangible hands and feet of God to our family. Through you, He has loved us, carried us, and given us a peace that truly passes understanding.
You all loved Dad because you felt like he always remembered you. He knew your name. He called you by name. He asked about you, your family, your job, your kids, and whatever else was happening in your life. He could carry on a conversation for hours—even if it occasionally drove my mom a little crazy. ☺️
He loved telling the same funny stories with customers and friends, even if he had already told them a hundred times. And somehow, he enjoyed telling them just as much the hundredth time as he did the first.
People would walk into the store and joke, “I thought you retired?” and he would just grin. The truth is, he couldn’t stay away. He was afraid he might miss a friend stopping by or miss hearing a good story.
He also loved fixing your things. If there was any possible way to patch it, piece it together, weld it, wire it, or make it work again, he was going to find it. Whether it was your driveway, your lawnmower, your car, or something else entirely, helping people was simply who he was.
This past week, my heart swelled every single time someone shared a Larry story, repeated one of his favorite sayings, or told me about something kind he had done for them. Those stories have helped lighten the weight of these days more than you know. Many of you have asked how you can help in the days ahead, so here are a few requests:
1. Keep coming by.
Drink coffee with us. Help us eat the donuts. Keep telling those same Larry stories I’ve already heard a hundred times. And I’ll even give bonus points to anyone who tells me one I’ve never heard before. 🤪
2. Learn with me to slow down.
Let’s remember people’s names. Let’s be intentional. Let’s listen better. Dad had a gift for making people feel seen, known, and important. That’s a legacy worth carrying forward.
3. Please pray for my mom.
Vance mentioned during the service that Mom and Dad were almost one and the same. They weren’t Larry or Karen—they were simply “Larry n’ Karen.” They lived together, worked together, laughed together, and built a life together for almost 50 years. He was her person. Please continue to lift her up in prayer.
4. Remember this life is but a v***r.
It goes so fast. Say the things, do the things, and most importantly, trust Jesus. Trust that he’s “got you covered” as my Dad would say.
Dad truly loved people, and he genuinely enjoyed every one of you.
Thank you for loving him so well and loving us so well.
♥️
Rachel
