Melvin Oliver Larimore, 78, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday, May 26, 2014 at Heritage Manor in Mendota. He was born May 29, 1935 in Quincy, IL, the son of Carl and Francis (Locke) Larimore. He was united in marriage to Nancy Schoenholz on October 22, 1961 in Paw Paw.
Melvin graduated from the University of Illinois and went to work for the Illinois Farm Bureau. He later worked for the American Farm Bureau. Melvin proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957-1963. In 1974, he opened the True Value Hardware Store in Paw Paw, which he owned and operated until his retirement 35 years later. He was twice president of the Paw Paw Lions Club. He was a member of the Paw Paw Fire Department and a lifetime member of the Mason’s.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy; two children, Robin (Ron) King of Aledo, IL and Kevin (Toni) Larimore of Paw Paw; three grandchildren, Austin King, Lindsay Kingery, and Mollie Larimore; one brother, William Larimore of Quincy, IL; a sister-in-law, Norma Larimore; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Dale Larimore.
Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg Street, in Paw Paw.
Funeral services will be at 11 A.M. Friday, May 30, at the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw, 370 Wiley Ave., in Paw Paw. Rev. Ronald Heard, nephew of Melvin, will officiate. Interment will follow in Wyoming Township Cemetery, Paw Paw.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Melvin’s memory may be directed to the Paw Paw Lions Club or Paw Paw Fire Department.
For information, contact Torman Funeral Home 815-627-3811 or www.TormanFuneralHome.com.
Our family is saddened by the news we heard today 6/23/14. I went to visit mom this morning and asked if I could visit Mel. And was told he was gone. Nancy, you and Mel were always so kind to my children and I from the moment we moved to PawPaw! Mel’s was ALWAYS our place to stop at each time we went to town either for shopping or just to chit-chat. When I would walk in Mel would shake his head and say “here comes trouble”. Ha! Ha! But he always had that beautiful smile and gleam in his eyes when he said it. I am greatful to have these wonderful memories of him! The last time I say him was in May right after Mother’s Day. He was sitting in the front and looking out the window. I talked to him for a while while holding his hand and then gave him a kiss good-buy and told him I would see him later. Maybe I will someday.. My deepest condolences to you Nancy, and to your family. I wish I had known because I would have been there to celebrate his life in Glory. Sending comforting hugs. Leilani
Our deepest condolences reach out to the Larimore family. We will always remember the kindness he showed as welll as his many contributions to the people of Paw Paw.
To Nancy, Robin, Kevin and your love ones you have our deepest sympathies during this time of sorrow.
To Nancy, Robin, Kevin and your loved ones: I remember Mel and leave you with this thought.
A Letter From Heaven to you:
To my dearest family, some things I would like to say.
But first of all, to let you know that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from Heaven, here I dwell with God above.
Here there’s no more tears of sadness, Here there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight! Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me and He said to me……I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, They’ll be here much later on.
I need you here so badly, you are part of my big plan. There is so much that we can do to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do; and foremost on the list was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, God and I are closest to you.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years,
because you are only human they are bound to bring you tears
but do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you but you wouldn’t understand
that one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over
I’m closer to you now than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb, together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
it was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;
that as you can say to God at night…..my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is feeling sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick them up as on your way you go.
When you are walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind,
I’m walking in your footsteps only half-a-step behind!
So when it’s time for you to go….from that body to be free
Remember, you’re not going, you’re coming here with me.
So many wonderful memories! Always remember the good times.
We are so sorry we can’t be with you there today. Just remember that you are all loved and we will see you soon!
I’m very sorry for your loss. Mel was always nice to me.
So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. He and Nancy have been friends since my move here to Paw Paw in 2005, and I always chuckle about one particular and sweet story about a hardware store purchase shortly after moving in. It was a real “Mel” story, and I’ll always strike a laugh in its remembrance. If you see me and remember to ask me, please do. It will have you chuckle too. You”ll be missed Mel!
My thoughts and prayers. Melvin was a kind person.
So sorry for your loss.
Prayers for you and yours.
A loved ones passing is never easy. We offer our deepest condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, may he live on in your hearts.
Our deepest sympathy’s and prayers to you all. He loved Paw Paw and enjoyed his time spent at E & H Hardware. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Mel.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. Mel was a great guy and will always remember how helpful he always was at the hardware store and how much he loved his community.
I am so sorry for your loss I am now living out by Joliet and my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time.
Hugs, kisses and prayers.
I made a lot of fire and ambulance calls with Mel. He was a fine man, dedicated to his community. I am truly sorry for your loss.