Larry Vance Chamberlain, 77, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away on April 26, 2024, surrounded by his wife of 54 years and his three boys.
Born on September 24, 1946, in Findlay, OH, Larry’s life was characterized by a spirit of aspiration, innovation, and inspiration.
From his humble beginnings in the village of Rudolph, Larry pursued education and career opportunities with determination despite economic and educational adversities. Larry found successes in technical school, Bowling Green State University, mortuary sciences, and business. In Wilmington, OH, he operated the Marsh-Chamberlain Funeral Home for over a decade until 1990, when in the same city he formed Clinton Medical Transport, an important Clinton County regional medical care resource for over three decades and counting.
In addition to his professional achievements, Larry was deeply involved in his community, often serving in local politics and contributing to various civic organizations in Wilmington and Ft. Myers. Throughout his life, Larry was known for taking calculated risks to reach even beyond his wildest dreams. Larry also constantly gambled on other people—family, friends, other enthusiastic entrepreneurs—always trying to pay forward the chances people took on him.
In the early 2010s, Larry and his beloved wife Mary Lou (nee Marsh) moved permanently to a home in Ft. Myers he affectionately referred to as “Paradise.” Those who knew Larry would agree that his hospitality and generosity meant there was always room at the table, the bar was always open (Maker’s Mark Manhattans preferred), and the doors were always unlocked.
A devoted family man, he cherished traveling with his wife, especially to visit their children and grandchildren.
In addition to Mary Lou, Larry will be greatly missed and remembered by his sons, Ryan of Cleveland; Kevin (Elizabeth) of Cincinnati; and Nathan (Leslie) of Chicago; his grandchildren Ezra, Grayson, and Cecilia; his sisters Marcia Chamberlain and Nancy Chamberlain-Boggs; the many extended family members in the Rudolph orbit who knew him affectionately by his nickname of “Brub;” and the many people who he considered as family and who considered him as family, across town, across the street, and across the country.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry’s honor may be gifted to the Rudolph Civic Center, 10109 Rudolph Road, P.O Box 33, Rudolph, OH 43462.
A graveside service will be held for Larry at 11 a.m. on June 22, 2024 at Rudolph Cemetery, with a celebration of Larry’s life following at the American Legion in North Baltimore, OH.
