A Life of Holding Fast

Prologue

Larry Charles Vermillion passed into Glory on October 12, 2021 at Cape Coral Hospital in Cape Coral, Florida. A beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Larry loved the Lord, and as Philippians 2:16 says, he held fast the word of life , "so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain." We are filled with equal parts grief and joy that Larry is with Jesus after running a race that honored God and ministered the Gospel to all who met him.

Chapter One—The Early Years

Larry was born August 25, 1946 in Marion Ohio. His parents were Darrell and Martha (Simmons) Vermillion, and he has one sister, Vicki (Vermillion) Primmer. Larry was an avid reader from an early age, and he also enjoyed sports, particularly basketball. He graduated from Harding High School in 1964, then attended the Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. It was an appropriate career choice as sparks flew with another student at OSU—Susan Kay Eichhorn.

Chapter Two—Love of a Lifetime

Larry and Sue dated for two years then married in 1969. Their first daughter, Melinda, was born in 1974, and their second daughter, Kerry, was born in 1976. Larry earned his MBA at the University of Chicago, then they returned to Columbus, Ohio, where Larry worked at Toledo Scales. In 1980, Larry and Sue moved to Newtown, Connecticut, where they lived for ten years.

Chapter Three—The Early Years

Larry worked at Eaton Consolidated Controls Inc. in Bethel, Connecticut, in the scale manufacturing industry. He and Sue were founding members of Grace Community Church (now, Walnut Hill) in Bethel, Connecticut. While at Grace Community, Larry taught Sunday School, ran the Pioneer Clubs/Boys Brigade, served as an elder, and played many games of basketball. He enjoyed home projects, Ohio State Football, drinking lots of coffee, pretending to be Santa Claus, coaching his daughters' softball teams, wrapping Christmas and birthday presents so well it was difficult to open them, and spending time with family and friends. In 1989, Larry accepted a position in Sanford, Florida, and the Vermillion family moved south.

Chapter Four—Blessings Abound

Larry and Sue settled in Lake Mary, Florida, before heading further south to Ft. Myers, in 1992. Larry adored spending time with his family, which came to include his daughters and their husbands and three grandsons. Numerous games of Uno, Sorry, and Jenga were played within the laughter-filled walls of the Vermillion home, along with shouts (and sadly, occasional groans), during college football season. Larry loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and had the pleasure of attending dozens of games throughout his lifetime. After moving to Cape Coral in 2004, he worked at General Scales. When the company was bought out, he was offered a job but that included moving to Michigan. He declined that option (Go Buckeyes), instead working for the Lee County Library System and ultimately landing at the Pine Island Library. He worked there for a decade and made fast friends with many library patrons (including neighboring squirrels and even a tortoise). Larry's love of books—both fiction and nonfiction—and his love for God's word was the heartbeat of his life.

Chapter Five—Golden Years

Larry was a proud and involved Grandpa to his three grandsons, Cody, Cole, and Chase. It was the greatest joy of his life to see his daughters and their families walk with the Lord. A long-time member of Ft. Myers Evangelical Free Church, Larry served on the Elder Board for many years, up until his death. He was a small group leader, Sunday school teacher, served on the Missions Committee, and they even allowed him to preach a couple times. Larry and Sue enjoyed returning home to Ohio to visit family, as well as taking family vacations with their daughters and families. Sitting on the lanai with Sue, watching the birds, squirrels and bunnies while reading was one of Larry's favorite past times.

Epilogue—A Life Well-Lived

Larry passed away as he lived—surrounded by his family, especially his loving wife, Sue. Upbeat and cheerful, he never lost his smile or complained. His example of a devoted, thoughtful husband, son, and brother, a kind and caring father, and a faithful friend will live on in the memories of those who loved him. While Larry's presence will forever be missed on earth, we rejoice at the blessed assurance he is now in the presence of the Savior he loved and served for seven decades. He is preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Martha Vermillion.

Author's Note

A memorial service for Larry was held at Ft. Myers Evangelical Free Church on Plantation Pines Road in Ft. Myers, at eleven o'clock on October 30 ^th . A meal will follow shortly after the service. Donations can be made to: the Missions Committee, Ft. Myers Evangelical Free Church. Larry's family also encourages guests who are comfortable to wear scarlet and grey in honor of his beloved Buckeyes.

A second memorial service will be held at Oakland Evangelical United Methodist Church on Bellefontaine Ave in Marion, Ohio at eleven o'clock on December 4 ^th . Gathering and refreshments will immediately follow the service.