Lawrence Gene “Larry” Kahl
INDIANAPOLIS - Lawrence Gene “Larry” Kahl, 91, passed on the eve of the eclipse April 7th, 2024. He was born on November 7th, 1932 to John W. and Bessie Snider Kahl in Marysville, Indiana. Larry’s family soon moved to nearby Sellersburg where he joined Boy Scout Troop #7, eventually becoming the very first Eagle Scout of his home town. Larry was later awarded the Ranger Scout medal. He was a graduate of Silver Creek High School class of 1950 where he lettered in track and played trombone in the band.
Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was assigned to a fighter photo air squadron as a jet mechanic and told endless stories of his time spent on the USS Valley Forge. He also served as a swim instructor teaching numerous sailors how to survive if they fell overboard. One of his proudest moments was when he was invited to join the Navy Blue Angels mechanical crew. Larry looked back on his Navy years as great fun, and relished in the applause and adoration he received when taking his Honor Flight to DC with his brother in 2019.
Larry was a graduate of the I.U. School of Business where he was governor of his dorm. He spent 30+ years in the insurance industry in various roles including Vice President of Member Services (National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies) and Executive Vice President (Conference of Casualty Insurance Companies). In retirement, Larry worked selling cemetery monuments which felt more like a ministry to him as he helped comfort grieving clients.
Larry was President of the Indianapolis Hiking Club, President of the Wellesley Commons Resident Association, volunteered at Kid’s Cafe, and most recently a HOST mentor at Chapel Glen Elementary School.
Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife Carolyn, children Susan (Steve) Ponsler, John (Lisa) Kahl, Lynda Lansdell, 7 grandchildren (Jordan, Matthew, Kaleigh, Jake, Keith, Sydney, Jackson), great-grandson Lucas, stepchildren Susie (Randy) Tatum, Laura Hildreth, David Hildreth, step-granddaughter Amanda and step-great-granddaughter Emilia. Preceding him in death were his siblings Melvin Kahl and Dorothy Jordan, his grandson Tyler Lansdell, step-granddaughter Kelsey Tatum, wives Georgia and Helen, and his beloved furry and ferocious Tucker.
Larry enjoyed the great outdoors and until recently made annual ski trips to Colorado. He and his wife Carolyn hiked daily, traveled extensively, and volunteered enthusiastically at church activities living their best lives together.
A Celebration of Life is planned for July 19th at Eagle Creek Park Shelter ‘A’ from noon to 3:00. Memorial contributions are appreciated to eaglecreekpark.org or charity of choice supporting children or animals.