Larry Wampler Sr., 83, of Bloomington, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, surrounded by family, at the home he shared with his daughter, Debbie, in Swansea, IL.
Larry was born on July 17, 1942, to Lawrence and Mary Wampler. He grew up in the small town of Allendale, Illinois, alongside his younger sister, Susie. On December 21, 1963, he married Mary Beth, and together they shared nearly 59 years of marriage.
As a boy, Larry was a spirited little rabble-rouser with a BB gun, a bike, and a horse. Visits back to his hometown were always accompanied by a family ritual: as they crested over the hill into Allendale, they would all chime in, “this is where Dad lost his two front teeth.” (It was the bike, not the BB gun)
Larry built his life around hard work and family. A lifelong truck driver, he worked hard to provide for his family and be present in their lives. After days on the road, he’d get home in time to attend baseball games, birthday parties, and soccer tournaments. Then, on Sunday nights, he’d shine his boots and prepare for another week on the road.
Later in life, he and Mary Beth helped build a family business alongside David and Larry Jr. In retirement, they found joy in annual trips with friends to Daytona Beach —It became known as their “happy place”.
Larry proudly watched all of his grandchildren head off to college and was there to see his three eldest granddaughters get married. Most recently, he enjoyed being “Pee Paw” to Harvey, his spirited little rabble-rousing great-grandson.
Larry was a kind man with warm blue eyes, a mischievous smile, and an encyclopedic knowledge of the country’s roads and highways.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife, Mary Beth.
He will be deeply missed by his sister, Sue Lewis (Bernie); his children, David Wampler (Shelly), Debbie Butz, Lori Moran (Jim), and Larry Wampler Jr. (Virginia); his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Guthrie (Luke), Jenna Franks (Ryan), Allyson Hundley (Thomas), Brayan Wampler and Gazmin Wampler; and his seven great-grandchildren
Thank you all for the big and small moments that enriched both our mother and father’s lives. We carry so many wonderful memories because of you.
A small family memorial will be held at a later date.
