Larry Churchman

Larry Joseph Churchman, 80, of Carrollton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, with his beloved wife and children at his side at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. 

Born on March 29, 1940,  up Churchman Hollow in Kampsville, IL, he was the son of the late Charles Freemont 'Jake'  and  Nellie (Brangenberg) Churchman. 

He will lovingly be remembered by his wife, the former Patsy Bland, whom he wed on June 14, 1964. Larry and Patsy met while he was serving as her crew boss when detasseling corn at Columbiana Seed Company.  Together, they were blessed with three children: Alan (Michelle) Churchman of Jerseyville, Kathy (Brian) Schnettgoecke and Vicki (Randall) Custer, both of Carrollton. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren:  Seth and Sean Churchman, Brent and Baily Schnettgoecke, Madlyn, Breden, and Claire Elaine Custer.  He is also survived by his sister,  Doris (Don) Eageny of Elgin. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Russell Churchman, and a stepfather, Merlin 'Doe' Richter.  He was also preceded in death by his cousin and 'best friend', Roy Brangenberg. 

Larry was a proud 1958 graduate of Hardin High School, where he began a successful basketball career, leading his team to the 1957 regional championship.  After high school, Larry attended SIUE where he played basketball as a starting point guard for the Cougars.  He received his BS in Physical Education and later received his MS in Instructional Technology, both from SIUE. 

Larry was an educator at Calhoun High School for 31 years, serving as a social studies teacher, physical education teacher, dean of students, as well as coaching track, baseball, and basketball.  He was the first basketball coach at Calhoun High School to win a regional championship in 1966. He loved playing fastpitch softball, the L.A. Dodgers, golf, and University of IL basketball. He was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame and the Calhoun Sports Hall of fame. He was a sought after fastpitch softball pitcher. 

After retirement, he spent the remainder of his days on his farm in Carrollton that he truly loved. He spent many days working on a tractor plowing and planting. He especially enjoyed working on the farm with his grandchildren. 

Many will remember his warm, engaging smile, sense of humor, strong faith and character, and his tremendous love for his family. 

Larry had a great love for the Lord and was a faithful member of the Believer's Baptist Church of Carrollton, IL where he served on the board of deacons since 1977.  He truly loved telling everyone about Jesus Christ. 

A drive-by visitation will be held on Monday,  February 1st, from 10:00 to 11:30 am at Believers Baptist Church southwest of Carrollton on the Woodville blacktop. A private family funeral will be held following visitation. 

The public is invited to graveside rites at Eldred Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 1:00 pm.  For everyone's safety, the family requests that all CDC mandates be followed, and masks will be required. 

Memorial donations may be made to Believers Baptist Church. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com. 

Obit Provided By:
Airsman Hires Funeral Home