Lawrence “Larry” Buhr

Lawrence “Larry” Buhr, age 79, of Athens, Ill., received his crown of glory on Monday, February 8, 2021, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Larry was born October 14, 1941, in Athens, the son of Raymond and Velma (Fawns) Buhr. A dedicated servant to his hometown, Larry served the City of Athens as Ward 2 Alderman for the past 24 years,  member of the Athens Community Park Board, volunteered at Athens Area Food Pantry and was a lifelong member of Athens Lions Club, regularly playing the role of Santa for the annual Toys for Angels drive and for the Athens Fire Department.

He married Katherine Ann Davis in 1963. She preceded him in death on April 27, 1996. He later married Holly Henning on June 14, 1997, in Sherman.

Mourning his passing are his wife, Holly of Athens; daughter Michele (Mark) Stott of Cantrall; step-daughters Heather (Roger) DeHart of Ocean Springs, Miss., and Heidi (Chris) Chambers of Downs; grandchildren Evan, Brynne, Barrett, Clayton and Colson; niece, Donna (Ronald) Gillette; one great niece and nephew and more friends than stars in the sky.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother James; and nephew David.

Upon graduation from Athens High School, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army before becoming a professional truck driver for 50 years for Leroy Donley, Bunn Capital and FedEx Freight. A car, truck and John Deere lawn tractor shopper extraordinaire, his love of driving, fast cars and trucks led to a feature photo of his truck “burning out” in Street Machine magazine, and later a job at S&K Buick GMC in his retirement.

An enthusiast of all sports, especially NASCAR, the New York Yankees and Illinois State Redbirds, for many years Larry could be found on the field playing softball, coaching or umpiring. In winter months, he was a longtime basketball referee for events ranging from elementary and high school games to the IESA state finals and even working several games for the Harlem Globetrotters.

A man who lived and loved life to the fullest with a personality larger than life, he never met a stranger. Anyone driving past his house could count on a smile and a wave. A devoted friend to all and the “best Grandpa in the whole wide world,” Larry was a lot of love and fun in one wonderful person.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Athens Christian Church. Funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Paul Hemenway officiating. Burial will be at Joel Hall Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Pet Central Helps or the Athens Area Food Pantry.

If you would like to virtually attend Larry’s service, you may visit Mott & Henning’s Facebook page where it will be shown live at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 13 ^th .

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com .