Larry Heater

Larry Heater, 73, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 11:35 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Health Care of Delphi.

On Nov. 17, 1950, Larry Richard was born in Winamac to Alfred Lee and Lois Ann Bishop Heater. Proudly he graduated from Caston High School with the Class of 1969. Growing up, he shared his childhood with two brothers.

Larry and Kay Elaine Overmyer were married on Aug. 6, 1976, in Kewanna at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. They shared 44 years of life’s adventures until Kay’s passing in September 2020. From their union came a daughter, Candice, and twin sons, Shane and John. Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the blessings of 11 grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Over the years, with a strong work ethic, Larry worked at Controls of Winamac, Switches of Logansport and Tenneco Automotive of Culver.

As an avid woodworker, Larry refinished and refurbished many items for the family. Some of the more treasured pieces include Kay’s antique pony buggy and the family’s antique roll-top desk. Larry enjoyed camping with his family and their horses. He was most excited about his role as “camp chef.” While camping, Larry blazed hundreds of miles of trails on his horse, Mooch.

Larry also enjoyed gardening. He regularly planted a large plot that would sustain the family well into the winter. He regularly bragged about tomatoes larger than his hand and shared the fruit of the harvest with co-workers, neighbors and friends. He enjoyed splitting flowers and expanding his iris beds. He also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds. To those closest to him, he enjoyed telling stories and sharing memories anytime there was a willing ear to listen. Fishing at local ponds and lakes for the catch of the day was another favorite way he relaxed.

Left to cherish Larry’s memory are his mother, Lois Heater, of Star City; daughter, Candice P. Johnston, and her husband, D.J., of Rochester; sons, Shane L. Heater, and his betrothed, Lindsay, of Delphi, and John R. Heater, and his wife, Shanna, of LaFontaine; 11 grandchildren, Abbi, and betrothed Gavin, Andrew, Peyton, Brooke and husband Mark, Makinzee, Emily, Josh, Bridget, Lily and Caleb; a great-grandson, Thomas Lee Lehman; and two brothers, Joe Heater, of Logansport, and Ron Heater, and his wife, Joyce, of Star City.

Preceding Larry in death were his father; wife; and daughter-in-law, Carissa Heater.

A celebration of the life of Larry Richard Heater will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Brian Sewell will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 10, and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Aubbeenaubbee Township Fire Department, P.O. Box 71, Leiters Ford, IN 46945 or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 322 8th Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.