Larry M. Evans

Larry M. Evans
April 27, 1940 - November 13, 2020

Larry M. Evans , 80, Michigan City, IN, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 11:41 pm.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 2:00 pm, Friday, June 25, 2021 at the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 23, 2301 Ohio St., Michigan City, IN.  The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements.

Larry was born on April 27, 1940 in LaPorte, IN to the late Rollie and Lenora (Morehouse) Evans. On July 8, 1961 in Michigan City, IN he married the love of his life, Karen M. DeBald.   She passed just a month before him on October 17, 2020.  They were married for 59 years, and the family is comforted knowing they are together again.

Larry served from 1959-1965 in the U.S. Navy.  He was a Vietnam veteran, but never left the east coast waters.  He always told stories of his time aboard the U.S.S. Tutuila, which was used as an engine repair ship.  When they were in port, he would hitchhike home from Norfolk, Virginia to see his fiancee.  

After his service, he returned to Michigan City.  He worked a few jobs but settled in at Bethlehem Steel in 1965.  Known as Gorilla and Papa Bear, he worked there as a crane operator for 37 years. He was known for being one of the best crane operators at the mill, and took great pride in his work. 

He loved antique cars and would take the family to old car shows so we could see "what cool cars looked like".  When he retired, he bought an old Willy's Jeepster and took it to the local car shows.  He has a table full of awards, and stories to go with all of them.  He loved visiting with all the families and made some great friendships.  He was a lifetime member of the NRA, the National Street Machine Club, and a member of the local VFW.  

Larry loved to reminisce about the good old days. He shared many fond memories of growing up on his grandparents' farm as a young child.  He enjoyed nature, gardening (and guarding the garden from deer and rabbits), his koi pond and visiting with friends and family.

Surviving are: four daughters - Tammie (David) Baker of Tampa, Florida, Gloria (Kiven) Francis of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, Lisa (Greg) Burnett of Michigan City, Indiana, and Melanie Evans of Trail Creek, Indiana; Ten grandchildren, Shane (Andrea Cote) Baker, Amber Burnett, Alicia (Ryan) Wilhelm, Ryan Francis, Lucas (Kyleigh Dickens) Burnett, Brad Francis, Alex Kroczek, Laura Kroczek, Bryson Baker and Emily Kroczek; and seven great-grandchildren, Malaki Wilhelm, Noah Wilhelm, Jaiden Burnett, Maddisyn Burnett, Aubrianna Burnett, Alayna Burnett and Zachary Baker;  Also surviving is his beloved sister, Geraldine "Geri" Marganti of LaPorte, IN; and his brother-in-law, Olan Griffin of Florida.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rita Griffin, and a sister that died at birth, Gloria.  

Caring about our community's needs during this time, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Food Pantry, 1201 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN 46360 or to Keys to Hope, 1802 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN 46360.