Larry J. Howdeshell, 75, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 11:36 PM on Friday, March 17 , 2023 at his residence.

On June 24 , 1947, Larry Joe Howdeshell was born in Valparaiso to Edward M. and Verna Lorena Hall Howdeshell. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister Phyllis.  With great Zebra pride Larry graduated from Rochester High School with the class of 1965.

Larry and Terry Lynn Smiley were married on June 25 , 1966.  They shared 46 years of life's adventures. From their union came three handsome sons Greg, Scot and Todd.  Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the added blessings of 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  Soon after their marriage, patriotism beckoned and Larry enlisted to serve our country with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He was stationed in Thailand as a talented jet mechanic.

A truck driving professional, Larry delivered his loads coast-to-coast.  He was a dedicated member of the Teamsters # 710, the Manitou VFW Post # 1343, LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post # 36, Rochester's Elk's Lodge, Manitou Moose Lodge and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles .

An avid card player, Larry enjoyed spirited games with his family and friends at the holidays or other special celebrations. Terry and Larry enjoyed excursions to Blue Chip and the Golden Nugget. They traveled visiting casinos, from Connecticut to Nevada and many places in between.  They enjoyed many evenings square dancing. Traveling and antiquing with special friends Larry and Sheri Townsend were times of adventure.

As the patriarch of the Howdeshell family, Grandpa Larry was always there to support his grandchildren at their sporting events, school concerts and academic competition.  He and Grandma Terry were their #1 cheerleaders always seated in the stands.  Larry enjoyed many ice-cold beers on hot summer days with his sons.  He thoughtfully called his family to note anniversaries and birthdays.

Left to cherish Larry's memory are three sons: Greg Howdeshell & wife Janice, Scot Howdeshell & wife Andrea, and Todd Howdeshell & wife Leslie, all of Rochester; 10 grandchildren: Brandon O'Dell, Kaytlin Howdeshell, Megan Howdeshell, Jonathon O'Dell, Dean Howdeshell, Jacob Howdeshell, Hannah O'Dell, Emma Howdeshell, Mia Howdeshell, and Isabella Howdeshell;   5 great-grandchildren: Ryan Carnes, Nolan Carnes, Max Carnes,  Navy Carnes, Scarlett Rose O'Dell; a sister, Phyllis Evans of Yoder; and special friends Larry G. and Sheri Townsend.

Preceding Larry in death are his parents Ed and Verna Howdeshell and beloved wife of 46 years Terry on August 14 , 2012.

A celebration of the life of Larry Joe Howdeshell & Terry L. Howdeshell will be Friday, March 24 , 2023 at 1:00 PM on in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18 ^th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family for two hours prior to the service.  Pastor Jerry Lee Patrick will officiate. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. The Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Air Force Honor's Team will accord military rites at the graveside.