Larry Gene King, age 71, of Tiro, died early Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026 at the Woodside Village Care Center in Mt. Gilead surrounded by his family.
Larry was born June 6, 1954, in Shelby, the son of the late Merlin Gene and Alice Marie (Kollar) King. He graduated in 1972 from Shelby High School and soon thereafter was drafted to the United States Coast Guard, proudly serving his country until 1976. During his Coast Guard career, Larry spent a couple years aboard the Bramble, serving as a Buoy Tender Seabreaker on Lake Erie. He was later transferred to the Mariposa ship where he was trained in firefighting and then promoted to 1st Class Damage Controlman. One memorable night during his career occurred on the night of November 10, 1975 when his ship was tasked by the Coast Guard to search and assist the Edmund Fitzgerald during an intense winter storm on Lake Superior. His ship, and others, were ultimately unsuccessful due to the high winds and towering waves.
After the Coast Guard, Larry met and married the love of his life, Rosanna M. Kraft. They both loved music, dancing, and adventure. Larry was a fun-loving and hardworking man, working for several companies throughout his life, and tirelessly providing and caring for his family.
In his spare time, Larry enjoyed golfing, traveling to the ocean, reading Westerns, spending time with family. He also enjoyed working around his home, whether it be cutting wood, mowing, gardening, or anything that needed fixing. Larry was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in New Washington.
On November 19, 1977, Larry married Rosanna M. Kraft, together celebrating over 48 years of marriage. Surviving are their 5 children: Anthony Lawrence King of Ellabell, GA, Christina Marie (Ken) Niese of Crestline, Theresa Ann Hobbs of Jamestown, NY, Debra Rose (Jason) Roberson of Tiro, Laura Tiffany (Justin) Hergert of Avon Lake; 13 grandchildren: Anthony, II and Katelyn King; Adam (Katie), Alyssa, and Ashlynne Niese; Rachel and Siena Hobbs; Chloe Sargent; Jeremiah and Evan Roberson; Vera, Atlas, and Oliver Hergert; and one great grandchild: Ezra Skelton.
Larry is also survived by four siblings: Lou Ellen (Richard Jr.) Huff, Clifford Alan (Darlene) King, Kevin Lynn King, and Janice Marie “Jinx” Cooke, all of Shelby; mother-in-law: Marilyn Kraft of Williard; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Donald Cooke, niece, Crystal Cooke, sister-in-law, Sylvia Kraft, and father-in-law, Lorin Kraft.
Family and friends are welcome for calling hours on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a Rosary will be recited at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10:30 am at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Chapel, 7212 North Auburn Road, Tiro, OH 44887. Fr. Eric Mueller will celebrate the Mass with burial to immediately follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Shelby, where military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. A meal will be served after burial at North Auburn School.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Bernard Church in New Washington, or the charity of donor’s choice. Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com