(05/08/41 – 08/21/17)

Larry Roger Kyle, age 76, of Pickford, Michigan, died on August 21, 2017, surrounded by his family at Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on May 8, 1941, in South Webster, Ohio to Leonard LeRoy and Rachel Ann (Newman) Kyle.

Larry grew up in Chillicothe, Ohio and graduated from Chillicothe High School. He attended The School of Drafting in Cincinnati, Ohio, before joining the United States Air Force, where he served for nine years. While in the Air Force, Larry was stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base where he met Carolyn Reamer. They were married at the Pickford Methodist Church on October 26, 1963. He left the Air Force in 1967 and he and Carolyn returned to Pickford.

He began working for the Chippewa County Sheriff Department becoming a Chippewa County Sheriff's Deputy in 1973. During this time he spent another eleven years in the United States Army National Guard. He and Carolyn raised their three children in Pickford. In 1998, after 25 years of service, Larry retired from the Sheriff's Department.

During his years in Pickford, Larry served on the Pickford Public Schools Board of Education, and was the high school track coach for five years. He was instrumental in forming the American Legion Post 323 and served as the first Commander. He was a volunteer for the Pickford Fire Department. He was especially proud of two Life Saving Awards. While serving with the Sheriff's Department, he saved the life of a 14 year old girl, and from the National Guard for guiding a group of youngsters to safety from a tornado that flattened the trees around them.

Larry was also an active member of the AMVETS Post 79. He was a gun enthusiast and liked antique cars. He and Carolyn enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida, Arizona and Gulf Shores. His favorite pastime was to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandson. Last week he was able to summon all of his strength and take his great grandson on a final scooter ride. His grandson kept saying, “Let's go around again," and they did. In the midst of his health crisis, he calmly told Carolyn he couldn't wait to give their son Steven, who died March 13, 2016, a huge hug.

Larry was a member of the Pickford New Horizons Church of the Nazarene.

Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn; mother-in-law, Esther Waybrant; two daughters, Kelly (Mark) Terwilliger of Alabama, and Kristine (Kevin) Hill of Cedarville, Michigan; and daughter-in-law, Bobbie Kyle of Sault Ste. Marie. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Megan (Wesley) Blackwood, Matthew Hill, Kylie Hill, Adam Terwilliger, Luke Terwilliger, Alex Rairigh and Dannielle Price; and one great grandson, Parker Blackwood. Larry is also survived by his sister, Patsy (Paul) Baker of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Alan (Cathy) Reamer of Pickford; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Reamer (who he called Maggie, his personal nurse) of Pickford.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven LeRoy Kyle; sister, Lois Kyle; brother, Gary Kyle; and brother-in-law, Steven Reamer.

 
Services will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2017, beginning with public visitation from 1-3 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. at R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129, Pickford, Michigan. Reverend Craig Weihman will be conducting the service.  Burial will be at a later date in Cottle Cemetery in Pickford Township.

Memorial contributions may be made in Larry's name and directed to the Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49774.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.