Larry Allen St. John Sr.

Larry Allen St. John, Sr., 76, of Matthews, NC, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on September 4, 2017. He battled Parkinson's disease since 2009 and also battled bone cancer for the past year. He never complained about either affliction, choosing instead to fight against these diseases while remaining firm in his faith to God. Larry was born on January 10, 1941 in Muncie, IN to Baneeta and Harold St. John. He played baseball and basketball in his youth and graduated from Albany High School in 1959. In 1960 he enlisted for eight years as an Army National Guardsman where he assisted victims of tornadoes, patrolled civil disturbances, and spent time in Puerto Rico learning about military communication devices. Larry met his wonderful wife, Carol, merely by chance in 1961 then married her in 1963. Since then the two of them have shared a sensational adventure across America. His career with Sears, Roebuck & Company moved them to various places including Anderson, IN; New Castle, IN; Tiffin, OH; Lakewood, OH; Wheaton, IL; and West Chicago, IL. In 1977 the St. John family moved back to Muncie, IN where Larry worked for Ontario Corporation introducing him to the aerospace industry. In 1986 the family moved to Westminster, CA. Larry worked for several aerospace companies as an employee and then as an elite and respected consultant. In 1996 Larry and Carol moved to Lebanon, TN to a 15-acre dream farm they cherished. While in Tennessee, Larry earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2001. He was a consultant for Oracle Corporation and traveled to work for clients in San Francisco, CA; Jamestown, NY; Dallas, TX; and Lincoln, NE. In 2004, Larry and Carol moved to Matthews, NC where Larry finally retired and devoted his time to Mill Grove United Methodist Church and to being the "co-number one fan" along with Carol to his grandsons in their sporting endeavors. Larry constantly encouraged his grandsons to live a life of faith and integrity, as well as provided years of academic encouragement. He was so proud of them! Throughout his life, Larry recognized the value in serving others. He volunteered as a t-ball and baseball coach and as a pack leader for Cub Scouts. He inspired young people to succeed by volunteering with Junior Achievement, co-chaired various events with the United Way, was a long time American Red Cross blood donor, and dedicated his experience and abilities to Toastmasters International and APICS. Larry served on several committees at Mill Grove UMC, helped start the Joy Club at Mill Grove UMC, and taught Sunday school classes in various churches for numerous years. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and his community. Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol St. John; his daughter, Angela Strouse and her husband, Paul Strouse, and their three sons Jonathan, Elijah, and Thomas Strouse; his daughter, Christina Joyce and her husband, Vincent Joyce, and their two sons Colin and Aidan Joyce; his son, Larry St. John, Jr.; his brother and sister-in-law, Ara and Jean St. John, of Sweetser, IN; his loving nieces and nephews; and the many friends he has loved and respected along his extraordinary and blessed path. A memorial service for Larry will be at the Sun Valley Campus of Mill Grove United Methodist Church (3207 Wesley Chapel Stouts Road, Monroe, NC 28110) at 10am on Monday, September 11, 2017. In lieu of flowers, Larry's family respectfully requests that you simply tell someone you love how important they are to you. There will be light refreshments at the fellowship hall following Larry's memorial service. -

Service Information

Monday, September 11th, 2017 10:00am, Mill Grove UMC-Sun Valley Campus

Interment Details

Mill Grove United Methodist Church