Lawrence "Larry" Allen Decoursey

Lawrence “Larry” Allen DeCoursey, age 78, of Galena, OH, formerly of Ottawa, IL, felt Gods arms around him and heard him whisper “Come to Me” on November 14, 2016 after a 2 year hard-fought battle with cancer. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sharon K. (Mayhall) DeCoursey; his sons, Jeff (Debbie Longest) of Ottawa, IL; Tim (Michelle) of Lewis Center, OH; and grandchildren Bailey of Chicago, IL; and Maxwell of Lewis Center, Oh.

Larry was born in Ottawa, IL, October 11, 1938 to Carl and Mary DeCoursey. He was confirmed on April 2, 1950 at First United Methodist Church in Ottawa and continued his membership there until Jesus called him home. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1956. On November 6, 1957, he married the love of his life Sharon Kay Mayhall. He was a dedicated employee at US Silica of 42 years.

Larry loved University of Illinois football and basketball. He shared this love with his children and grandchildren and was always willing to catch a game on a weekend with them. He was also a lifelong Chicago Bears, White Sox, and Blackhawks fan.

Larry’s passion was for his family. He loved his sons, their wives, and especially his grandchildren like no other. He poured into them with every chance he could. He taught his boys to fish and love nature and gadgets. He learned to love sitting long hours at gymnastic, dance competitions and recitals, cheerleading and sporting events where his granddaughter Bailey would showcase her talents. His passion for sports was brought to life by watching his grandson Max compete in football, baseball, and AAA Travel Hockey. He leaves memories and marks on all those he touched with his generous unfailing quiet love and support. He lived his life to the fullest zip lining with his grandchildren in Hawaii at the ripe young age of 70 and braving the bitter cold in Quebec City for a hockey trip of a lifetime. He never said no to an adventure if family was involved. If you needed him, he was there no questions asked.

He is deeply loved and missed by many friends and family located in Illinois and Ohio who are privileged that he chose to share his beautiful, generous, unconditional love with all of them. The family wishes to extend their most sincere thanks to all our friends near and far for their support.

The family request memorials be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of his valiant fight against cancer.

A celebration of life will be at Ottawa Funeral Home, Ottawa, IL, Saturday, November 19, 2016, from 3:30-5:30 pm.

Psalm 23King James Version (KJV)

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever