Even in his childhood, he demonstrated an innate sense of respect for his fellow man. His younger brother Kent recalled, as a boy, being jerked out of a barber chair by Larry, when the shop owner refused to cut the hair of a black man who had  entered the shop. In high school, Larry developed leadership and athletic skills complementing his academic ability, thus shaping his youthful sense of leadership. As an adult he was enshrined in his high school Hall of Fame.

Larry’s way of life was epitomized by the characteristic values of his beloved Alma Mater—Duty, Honor, Country. His thoughtful concern and respect for his fellow man were founded upon his lifetime adherence to the tenets of his Catholic faith. It was in that faith that he found his lifetime mate and mother of his children, Nancy. They dated for four years and then were wed at West Point after graduation. Larry and Nancy lived together for 52 years, experiencing the pleasures and difficulties of an Army family life. They were blessed with three sons and a daughter, each of whom remembers Dad as kind of a tough disciplinarian who had a great sense of humor and, when at home, enjoyed immature fun with his kids, even though he was a senior officer on duty.  He infused respect for women in the boys by his example of devoted respect he showed for his bride and their mom.

Throughout his life, the spirit of the Lord emanated from Larry’s words and works. His motivation and dedication to his assigned and assumed tasks resulted in achievement and mission accomplishment at every level of rank and responsibility. Larry was able to lead both military units and civilian work forces to levels of achievement far beyond those considered as success. First, as an Artillery officer, and then as an Ordnance officer, Larry achieved a reputation as a “doer.” He excelled in the progression of branch schools and staff colleges through the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His progress was marked by a tour as an associate professor of Ordnance at West Point, after earning a MSME degree at New Mexico State University, and induction into the Ordnance Hall of Fame. He commanded in combat and served at the highest levels of the Army staff. Larry commanded Rock Island Arsenal and the Communication and Electronics Command. He later served as deputy commanding general of the Army Material Development and Readiness Command until his retirement in 1987 as a lieutenant general. Larry’s awards and decorations were numerous, but not as impressive as the aura that marked each of his contacts with individuals of all ranks and services throughout his service. Upon his retirement, Larry was appointed president and chief executive officer of the American Defense Preparedness Association. He was a well-respected witness before both houses of Congress on matters pertaining to the defense industrial base. He coordinated the merger of his organization with another defense-related organization and then became the chief executive officer of the resultant National Defense Industry Association until his retirement.

The texture of his lifestyle was defined by his concern for others and his commitment to put the interests of others before his own. Larry was honest and brave. His sense of duty and devotion to his mission inspired confident and competent actions from both civilian and uniformed men and women with whom he worked. Larry showed the same level of zeal and commitment to his tennis game and his vegetable garden.

The tone of his voice was calm, and his manner was mild, but there was never any doubt about his conviction that he and those associated with him would achieve their objective, be it military, industrial, personal, athletic or family related. Larry was “can-do” oriented and directed.

Larry’s life ended after a four-year struggle with debilitating cancer. Nancy was at his side every step of the way. Together they were an inspiration to all who knew them. Like his namesake, Saint Lawrence, who was martyred on a gridiron over burning coals, Larry only sought to be “turned over” while he offered his suffering up to his Lord and Creator who welcomed him into heaven, where he is waiting for

his bride.