Larry David Humphrey, longtime Licking County farmer and faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, died Sunday, April 27, 2025 at his home in Johnstown, OH. He was born September 19, 1943 in Newark to the late Gaylon and Florence Marjorie (Grubb) Humphrey.

Larry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sonia "Sunny" (Stein) Humphrey; children, Cindy (Grant) Reed, Christie (Richard) McVeigh and Andy (Amy) Humphrey; grandchildren, Isaac, Caleb, Alistair, Annie, Aaron, Andrew, Josie, Katie and Daniel; brother, Dan (Barbara) Humphrey; and several nephews and cousins.

Larry could be characterized by his love of Jesus, love of family, and love of farming.  For many years, he served at Harmony Baptist Church in roles such as youth group leader and deacon. He led various Bible studies, served in a jail ministry, a homeless ministry, Celebrate Recovery, and Emmaus Walk.  One of his greatest passions was handing out Gideon Bibles - sometimes in official capacities such as the county fair, but often to individuals he came into contact with in day to day life, even to staff during his last hospital admission.  He served with the Gideons from 1975 to his last days. For the last 25 years, he attended Grace Pointe Community Church in Utica, serving in various capacities including many years as an elder, and leading the men's breakfast ministry.   His commitment to service and friendship was unparalleled and he was always there to meet a need, visit the sick, counsel where needed, and always pray.  At church, he was fondly referred to as "Larry the Legend."

There aren't words to describe how much he loved his family.  His marriage was an inspirational  role model to his children and to many others, including various individuals who were welcomed to live with Larry and Sunny in times of need.  It was always "family first"; he would drop anything to be at his kids' activities or to help when needed. He loved each of his grandchildren, and prayed daily with Sunny for each family member and many friends.  He "trained up his children in the way of the Lord" and invested deeply in each of them.  Home was always a place of refuge and unconditional love, graciously infused with wisdom and correction where needed.  The family has remained close as it has expanded, frequently gathering around pizza, Euchre games, and jigsaw puzzles.  Not to be left out, Christie's family in Northern Ireland forged close relationships with Grandpa and Grandma through yearly visits both here and over there.

Larry was a well-known farmer in Licking County for over 30 years, enjoying his work and providing leadership to the farming community.  Some of his official leadership roles included being an original member of both the Hartford Fair Junior Fair Board and the Ohio Farm Bureau Young Couples Council, President of the Licking County Farm Bureau, Chairman of the soybean division of Ohio Agricultural Marketing, member of Young Farmers, Agrology Club, Agrarian Club, Ohio Soybean Association, and a 4-H advisor.  Awards included Third Place for Outstanding Young Farmer of Ohio, Outstanding Young Farmer in Licking County (1968), Outstanding Cooperator of the year for Licking County Soil and Water Conservation, and a Columbus Dispatch Blue Ribbon Farm Family.  True to his servant heart, he took on many projects to benefit the farm community and help his fellow farmers.

To those that knew him, Larry was a generous, kind, big-hearted man who would give someone the shirt off his back.  He never wavered from his commitment to Jesus Christ and wanted everyone to have the opportunity to respond to Jesus'  loving offer of salvation.  His faith was what enabled him to respond peacefully to the end of his life, saying  "I am ready."

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark and Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 2-4 pm where the funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm with Pastor Brad Kittle and Charley Jackson officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Green Hill Cemetery in Johnstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Gideons International- Licking County Camp, P.O. Box 812, Newark, OH 43058-0812 or online at sendtheword.org

To watch a live stream of the funeral service on Sunday at 4:00 pm, please follow the link ; https://www.facebook.com/andrewdhumphrey?