Services for Larry will be held at the McLean Christian Church on Friday, October 30, 2026. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Tony Billingsley will officiate. Burial will follow at McLean Cemetery.
Larry A. Lasswell was born September 22, 1937, in Aurora, IL, the son of John and Gladys Parkhurst Lasswell. He was united in marriage to Wanda Foley on April 20, 1962, in McLean. Wanda preceded Larry in death on October 8, 2026.
Larry is survived by three children: Brad (Alice Kay) Lasswell of Williamsville, Barry (Richie Flores) Lasswell of St. Charles, and Becky (Joe) Gaither of Stanford; six grandchildren: Sabrina Mason, Kylie Mason, Ben Lasswell, Adam Gaither, Evan Gaither, and Alec Gaither; one great-grandson, Jasper Judge-Gaither; and one brother: John (Sue) Lasswell of Glendale, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda; one daughter, Brenda Mason; and one sister, Connie Lasswell.
Larry attended elementary and high school in Ottawa, IL. He then graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a B.S. degree in vocal music education, and a minor in social studies. In 1960, he began teaching vocal music in the McLean/Waynesville school district. When the Olympia school district was formed, he taught in several of the elementary schools, as needed. He enjoyed working with the school custodians during the summers. After retiring from teaching in 1985, he worked as a custodian for the school district until 2003.
Larry enjoyed being with his family, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and music events, photography, and making picture collages. He enjoyed being with his close friends and traveling. He was an avid fan of the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and Illinois State University basketball. Larry fondly remembered serving as Talent Show coordinator for the McLean Fall Festival for many years and receiving the Girl Scouts Educators Award for Non-certified employees in 2003.
Larry was a loving, caring father and grandfather and will be missed.
Memorials may be made to the Olympia Music Department, c/o Olympia CUSD, 903 E 800 North Rd, Stanford, IL 61774.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta, IL.