Larry D. Eitniear, 94, of Athens, passed away at home Monday, September 7, 2020 under the care of family and Oaklawn Hospice.
A graveside committal service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Lighthouse of Athens Event Center, 310 S. Capital Avenue in Athens.
Larry was born April 28, 1926 in Athens, Michigan to Deo and Kitty (Shedd) Eitniear. He attended Athens schools, but exited early to join the U.S. Navy in WWII, serving from 1944-1946 stationed in northern California. On February 21, 1951, Larry married the former Geraldine “Gerry” Adams in Ceresco. The couple resided in Ceresco and then Battle Creek before settling in Athens.
Early in his career, Larry worked in Battle Creek at Turner Furniture, DeNooyer Chevrolet and Battle Creek Glass, with glasswork emerging as his calling. He spent 60 years as a self-employed glassman, working in automotive and residential replacement and decorative glass.
In addition to his skill and artistry with glass, Larry enjoyed listening to music and ballroom dancing. He and his wife belonged to a dance club and traveled to many places, as far away as Chicago, to dance to the sounds of popular Big Bands. Locally, Larry was a member and past president of the Athens Historical Society. He was also a member of the Athens Rotary, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.
When it came to family, Larry enjoyed trailer camping with his wife and children and was a field director for the NCHA (National Campers and Hikers Association). He was also a Cubmaster when his son, Tim, was in Cub Scouts.
Larry was a friendly, kind and modest person whose workmanship spoke for itself. He was a fair and honest businessman who was very knowledgeable of local history.
Larry is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gerry; his children, Timothy Eitniear of Athens and Lisa Eitniear of LasVegas, NV; grandchildren, Emmalee White of Las Vegas, Taylor Eitniear and Clayton Eitniear, both of Chicago, IL; and step-sisters, Kay Dunn of Texas and Christine Dean of Ohio.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nita Dee Moore.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Athens Historical Society, P.O. Box 22, Athens, MI 49011 or to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068.
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