Obituaries

Larry J. Mummert

February 8th, 1942 – December 1st, 2021

Larry James Mummert, 79, of Havana, IL passed away at 8:10pm on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Springfield Memorial Hospital, in Springfield, IL. He was born on February 8, 1942 in Macomb, IL, the son of Mary Alice (Skiles) Mummert and Marshall Markley Mummert. Larry married Blanche Ellen Baxter on November 25, 1967 at the United Methodist Church in Canton, IL.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dennis Lynn Mummert.

Surviving are two sons, James Marshall Mummert, of San Diego, CA, and John Dennis (and Dilanthi DeAlwis) Mummert, of Orange County, CA, one daughter, Jule Ellen Mummert, of FL, and two grandsons, Ian Mummert and Dilan Mummert, of Orange County, CA. Also surviving is one sister, Ginger Jane (Mummert) Masten, of Pacifica, CA. Larry had several cousins, with whom he kept in contact.

Larry was raised in rural Astoria, IL, on a working farm which has remained in his family since 1887. He worked hard, and had his own farming operation, shortly after he graduated from Astoria High School in 1960.

Larry began his education in a one room schoolhouse, (the historic Elrod Schoolhouse) with one teacher for all grades. He was among the youngest, and his first three years, recess was the only subject. He believed this kept him behind his peers, once he was able to attend Astoria Elementary. A start he was determined to one day, overcome, and did.

At Astoria High School, Larry was social, had many friends and was active in a variety of extracurriculars, despite a bevy of morning and evening chores. Some of these included FFA (Future Farmers of America), for which he served as Vice-President, Drama Club, performing and singing in various productions, and sports as a lineman for the AHS (Astoria High School) football team. His 1960 graduating class were a close-knit group, enjoying reunions and friendships that would last for his lifetime.

Larry was a full time farmer by trade, farming over 1,000 acres of corn & soybeans, while working as a cattle trader, buying, tending to, and reselling 300-500 cattle per year. He rose every morning with the sun, and came home in the dark of night, from the fields.

Larry was the highest rank E-5 Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves, in the 208 Transportation Unit, serving from 1963-1969, and held Veteran status, with honor.

Larry had many interests and pursued them when he could. He earned his real estate license, listing and selling farms and residential properties. It was during this time he increased his own rental property portfolio, at one point owning over 30 rental units. He also purchased and sold farm land.

He held various positions over the years, in addition to farming, real estate, and as a landlord, working for the Illinois Department of Agriculture for 10 years, as a Products and Standards Inspector, for the Dept. of Weights and Measures, and in Food Safety and Animal Protection. He also held positions at Caterpillar and Butler Service Group.

Larry enrolled at Spoon River College, initially for courses in Technology and Business Law, among others. After retiring from the state, he re-enrolled in various courses, primarily to pursue an Associates in Arts & Sciences, and a return to his drama and acting experience, and a lifelong dream. In early days, Larry had earned the lead in the acclaimed musical, “South Pacific,” at the local and beloved, Playhouse Theatre, which he eventually had to pass on, per unchangeable conflicts with late farm hours and play practice.

He was involved with many organizations, often serving in leadership positions, including the Fulton County Farm Bureau, since 1960, serving on the Board of Directors. Woodland Township Precinct Committeeman, Fulton County Board of Realtors, Fulton County Cooperative Extension Board, Friends of the Library, Astoria, and many more. He also donated to various organizations, such as the Sheriff’s Association.

Larry was a longtime active member of the Astoria United Methodist Church, since 1955, serving on the Board of Trustees, as Chairman of the Board, and on many other committees. Most recently, changing his membership to the United Methodist Church of Havana, where he supported youth programs and donated charitably.

Larry had an optimist view of life, living each day as a new opportunity. He loved life and lived life. His sense of humor was a joy to be around. Not one to hold grudges, his faith taught him to forgive his fellow man, and himself.

He loved vintage cars, which he collected in his later years and was always driving the latest models, throughout his younger years. He loved driving his vintage convertible through parades, and attending car shows.

A close friend to many, he made new friends wherever he went. He loved celebrating holidays. Dreamed of traveling abroad. He was the kind of father who spent valuable time nearly every summer, taking his kids on vacations to see this amazing country and its natural wonders and landmarks, and always making time for detours to amusement and water parks.

He also loved the beach, and had been retreating to Florida during the winter months, for several years. Larry was a big fan of history, especially regarding his own family stories, or anything on Abraham Lincoln, nearly finishing the latest Lincoln book, during his final days.

Larry was a good, decent, honest, Godly man, with big dreams, who found much joy and pride in his biggest and best accomplishments of all, his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 9, from 5:00-7:00pm, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, December 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Havana, IL. Visitation begins at 9:30am, and Funeral Services at 10:30am. Followed by a burial procession to the final resting site at Summum Cemetery.

All are welcome to attend.

Larry requested memorial donations be made out to: “Havana First United Methodist Church”, and either donated toward their “Youth Mission Trip” or to their “Liberia Scholarships” for school tuition.

Donations can be dropped in envelopes at the church, or can be mailed to: “Havana First United Methodist Church, 101 S. Broadway, Havana, IL 62644.”

Condolences

December 6th, 2021

Larry's Family
So sorry to hear Larry passed away. Larry and grew up together. We belonged to the same 4-H club and showed our projects at the Fulton County Fair. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Warren Howe

December 6th, 2021

Larry's family
So sorry for your loss. Larry and his brother & sister belonged to the same 4-H club for several years that I belonged too. Thought & prayers to your family.
Shirley Sackman Proctor

December 6th, 2021

Very sad news Larry was a find gentleman an excellent landlord he will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers go out to Larry's family

December 6th, 2021

Larry was a great friend and often ate with our havana senior citizens group. Bev Hamm McKenna.

December 6th, 2021

My very deepest sympathy to Larry's family. The Mummery family came into The Lewistown National Bank back in the late 1960's and that's where I met all of them as I worked there. We were all friends from that time on! A great family. No matter where I was and saw Larry's parents and others they would speak and ask how's everything? Always remember Larry and his smiling friendly personally. God Bless Everyone. Lorenda (Schnarr) Spilker.

December 7th, 2021

Lived in Larry’s neighborhood for many years. When he was born my sister and I went to their house to see the “new baby”Saw him often through the years…..we would stop and visit for a while, I enjoyed seeing him and so sorry for his passing. My sympathy to his family!

December 7th, 2021

Barbara Hamm

December 7th, 2021

Jule, John and Jim,

I’m so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you all and your family. I have such fond memories of spending my childhood with the Mummert family. Much love ~ Gina (Biesenthal) Huch

December 8th, 2021

To the Mummert Family.... Our earliest memories are of Larry and all the Mummert family as Dad worked for Marshall for 16 years farming b4 Marshall advised him to get a job with CAT to have a retirement. Of course, Larry was old enought then to start farming with his dad. Years of riding the bus sitting with Ginger; and then the terrible tragedy of Dennis's death in Laos serving in Peace Corp as VietNam was heating up! Last time I saw Larry, he greeted me with that 'ready smile' recognizing me before I did him... Thinking of you all now in your loss of both parents this year With Sympathy from the Grover, Dixie (Grover) Stitt

December 9th, 2021

To Jule, Jim, and John, My sympathy to you and your families on the loss of your dad. He was always fun to visit with and never met a stranger. I especially enjoyed our time together with the youth group at Astoria UMC. Carolyn Cripe

December 9th, 2021

Larry was a great guy and great friend. We we in 4-H together briefly as he was older than me. But over the last 20 years we had renewed our friendship and saw each other on a regular basis. Just this last summer he came to my place at Wee Ma Tuk and we had a boat ride on the lake. I will truly miss him.

Frank Goudy

December 9th, 2021

Thinking of you Jim, John, and Jule and all of the family during this time. Uncle Larry was an incredible man who always had time for a laugh. May you all be surrounded in love and light. Love, Char & Karen

December 10th, 2021

Jim. John, Jule. So sorry for your family's loss. Lots of fond memories of all of you from church and school. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bleeding. Deb and Jim Park

December 12th, 2021

Jim, John, Jule
So sorry for your loss. We were unable to attend the service because Carol had knee replacement surgery on Wednesday. We enjoyed spending time with him at car shows. He had many wonderful stories and always left us with a smile. We will miss him greatly. ❤️

December 12th, 2021

Larry will be surely missed. Jule n Gina were very close friends and I really enjoyed playing chauffeur to the kids. Blessings in the loss of your Dad. Love to all of you Love Marilyn Biesenthal

February 3rd, 2022

So sorry. Ken Ward

February 3rd, 2022

So sorry. Ken Ward

February 14th, 2022

Ginger, Just today learned of Larry's passing. You have my deepest sympathy and to all of his family. I have such fond memories of all the fun that we had playing at your house when we were growing up. Whether it was dressing up in your mom's old clothes or playing wagon train to the barn, it was always such fun. And who could ever forget Mary Alice's homemade popcorn balls? Over the years I was fortunate to have run into Larry on occasion and we always had fun remembering those times. He will be greatly missed.

Marilee Derry Grifin