- Date Of Birth: March 30, 1936
- Date Of Death: April 14, 2015
- State: Ohio
We mourn the loss of a great and beloved Man!
On Tuesday, April 14th, 2015, Lawrence J. Logsdon, Sr. passed away after a 7 year bout with Cancer. Larry was born in Akron, Ohio on March 30th, 1936, the eldest son of Louis Michael and Anna Mary (Fitzgerald) Logsdon. Larry grew up on Owen Avenue in Akron along with his four other siblings; Maryann (Ronald) Hutchinson, Gerald (Carol) Logsdon, Walter (Florence) Logsdon and Michael (Carol) Logsdon.
Larry was a multi-sport athlete at Akron’s Saint Mary High School, graduating in 1955. While at Saint Mary’s, Larry met his future wife, Frances Lucille DeLuca. Following graduation from high school, Larry enrolled at the University of Akron, studying History and Government and playing quarterback on the football team. While at Akron U, Larry and Fran married at Saint Martha Catholic Church on August 10th, 1957. Larry and Fran’s marriage was blessed with 7 children including; Catherine Mary Foote, Lawrence Joseph (Katherine) Logsdon, Jr., Karen Marie (Stephen) Carroll, Lewis Michael Logsdon, Mary Frances (John) Carroll, John Thomas (Laurel) Logsdon and James Edward (Lori) Logsdon. While at Akron U, Larry also enrolled in the Army ROTC program.
Upon graduation, Larry accepted a commission in the United States Army, serving as an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. Prior to his deployment to Vietnam, Larry transitioned into the aviation branch serving as a helicopter pilot for the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. Upon his return from service in Vietnam, Larry and Fran settled down to raise their growing family in Coventry Township. Larry taught and coached at a variety of schools in the Akron/Cleveland area and served in a variety of leadership positions with the Ohio Army National Guard’s 107th Armored Calvary Regiment. Larry retired from the military in 1988 and from his civilian career in 1998.
Retirement offered Larry the opportunity to indulge his real passion, his grandchildren. With 21 of them, he had a lot to work with. His counsel, influence and love enveloped his grandchildren spawning epic stories of travels, trials and traditions that our family will enjoy for years to come. His grandchildren include; Lauren Foote, Emily (Gurinder) Bajwa, Grace Foote, Michelle Zriebec, Patricia, Michael and Julie Logsdon, Andrew, Stephanie and Patrick Carroll, James (Megan) Martin, Robbie (Jennifer) and Adam Logsdon, Abigail, Colleen and Jack Carroll, Claire, Lily and John Logsdon and Molly and Spencer Logsdon.
Beyond his family, Larry formed life-long friendships along the way. Within his extended family, military and civilian careers, 48 year association with Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church and patronage of local businesses, schools and communities, Larry built a bountiful group of friendships based on love and admiration. He lived to honor our God in Heaven and manifested his faith in the life he led and the people who surrounded him. We will love you through eternity dad and we will honor your memory in all that we seek to do! Go to God and Be Thou at Peace!
Your adoring family and friends.
