Obituary of Larry Chester Yantz
Larry Chester Yantz was born In Monroe, Michigan on May 28, 1943, to Chester F. Yantz and Vivian F. (Myers) Yantz. Growing up in Samaria, Michigan he attended Bedford Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1961 from Bedford High School.
He was very active in his school participating in several clubs and was selected Class President his Junior Year. He also played football lettering his Senior year. His Senior year he was crowned “King” at the school Homecoming game. He broke his leg, and not to be slowed down after a trip to the Emergency Room after the game he and his buddies, Henry Mossburg and Bob Hammer took off crutches and all Up North to deer hunt… Larry truly loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.
Following graduation in December of 1961, Larry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and left for Camp Pendleton, California. It was in the Marines that Larry met a great friend, Tom Dawson from Nebraska, a fellow Marine. The two became lifelong friends to this day.
While serving in the military, Larry earned a Rifle M-14 Expert Badge, served in Divscols, Camp Henson Okinawa Weapons Repair School. He was also competent with a rocket launcher, portable flame thrower, and MCI construction blueprint reading. All while obtaining a good conduct medal.
Upon his discharge in December of 1964, Larry returned home and worked construction with his uncle and family. He used his skills honed in the Marine Corps to read blue prints and soon one thing led to another and he began drawing them. Larry started his own company and was the President of “Yantz Construction Inc.” General Contractor… on Southwycke Boulevard in Toledo, Ohio.
After a few years Larry picked up and moved from Toledo down to Texas to take advantage of the building boom. There he worked as a General Contractor owning Yantz Construction. After years of being in the building trades his business ventures led him to owning two other businesses in the Dallas area, “Larry’s Place”, a private club in downtown Dallas and next was “The Inn Between Club” because it was between Dallas and Fort Worth. He ended his working career employed by the City of Dallas, Code Enforcement Office.
In 1995, he became a lifetime member of VFW Post 8913 in Lancaster, Texas. Larry exchanged nuptials with the love of his life and best friend, Patsy Jordon on June 20, 2001. He was married in Lincoln, Nebraska by his Marine friend, Tom Dawson. The couple cherished time spent together.
Larry Chester Yantz, age 79, of Texas passed away peacefully and quietly at his home on November 16, 2022, under the care of hospice. Just days before his passing he had the opportunity to reconnect with his daughter and they prayed together. His passing was preceded by his beloved wife Patsy on April 11, 2017; his father: Chester F. Yantz on March 7, 1996; maternal grandparents: Simon and Lillian Myers; and paternal grandparents: Frank and Lottie Yantz; a sister-in-law: Jennifer Loose on June 10, 2016; his brother-in-law: David A. Hayford on April 13, 2021; and many aunts and uncles whom he loved and missed. His family receives great comfort in knowing that he has no more pain and suffering, and now is in Heaven with family.
To cherish his memory he leaves a daughter: Heather Brook Kissel of Toledo; his mother: Vivian Yentz of Monroe; a sister: Joyce Hayford of LaSalle; a brother: Daniel Loose of Dallas; five nieces and nephews: Jeff Hayford of Blissfield, Angela (Patrick) Diemer of Climax, Michigan, Melissa (Brad) Jackson of Texas, Brittany (Jonathan) Prickett of Texas, Justin (Danielle) Loose of Pennsylvania; thirteen great nieces and nephews; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles, that he loved dearly.
A private procession escorted by the Patriot Guard with graveside services under the auspices of Erie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3925 took place at Lambertville Cemetery (Dean and Secor Road) in Lambertville, Michigan. Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070 was entrusted with his local arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to any veteran’s organization. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.