Obituary of Larry Olin McCrea

Larry Olin McCrea was born in Monroe, Michigan on May 13, 1941.  He was one of three sons born to the union of John W. McCrea and Elizabeth H. (Shaner) McCrea.  He was a 1959 graduate of Milan High School.  Despite facing challenges, Larry's determination led him to find a way to put himself through school, showcasing his resilience and perseverance.  He graduated with his Master of Arts Degree in 1970 from Eastern Michigan University.    

Larry’s lifelong passion was working with youth. He was employed by the Milan Public Schools and Dundee Community Schools for a combined thirty-six years.  During the course of his career, he shaped the lives of countless individuals as a Special Education Teacher and Multi-Sport Coach.  His caring nature shone through his involvement in the Special Olympics, where he traveled to California with special education students to compete. He retired in 2006.

Larry married the former Becky Jean (Launer) McCollum on March 16, 2020, in Clearwater, Florida.  The couple had originally met at the Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries Center in Monroe several years before.  At Oaks, Larry served as a volunteer teacher and assistant at the Oaks Acorn Children's Village.

An active member of New Life Church in Petersburg, Larry’s participation in the men's Bible study was something he truly cherished. Beyond his academic pursuits, he found joy in various hobbies including card games like that of euchre and pinochle. He also found joy in playing a round or two of golf or shooting a friendly game of billiards. His passion for sports was evident in his support for his hometown teams like the Detroit Tiger’s baseball team, even participating in their Lakeland, Florida Fantasy Camp, the Detroit Lions football team, the Red Wings hockey team, and the University of Michigan Football team. He cheered them on whether in person or the comfort of his own home.

As a young man, Larry was a skilled horseshoe player, his talents took him across the United States as he participated in national tournaments.  Travel was a source of joy for Larry, with Scotland holding a special place in his heart as his favorite destination. In his later years, he cherished moments spent in his second home in Florida. Despite not having much time for sports in his childhood due to work commitments, Larry's passion for athletics grew stronger throughout his life as he became a competitor in the Senior Olympics.

Larry Olin McCrea, age 82 of Petersburg passed away at Foundation Park Nursing Center on Thursday; April 18, 2024 under the care of Heartland Hospice.  His passing was preceded by his parents; paternal grandparents: William and Blanche McCrea; and maternal grandparents: Denzel and Eva Shaner.

To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife:  Becky Jean McCrea of Petersburg; three children: Joel McCrea of Monroe, Michigan, Chad McCrea of Milan, Michigan, and Heather McCrea of South Carolina; four stepchildren: Megan Libstorff of Monroe, Glenn (Evelen) Brainard of Oxnard, California, Matthew McCollum of Monroe, and Abigail (Erin) Campbell of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; two brothers: Jeffrey (Judy) McCrea of Wamplers Lake, Michigan and Denzel McCrea of Saline, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Sandra, Ian, Riley, Parker, and Owen McCrea, and Chloe and Lili Andrews; eight step grandchildren: Halli and Quinn Brainard, Ainsley Campbell, Sunshine, Clay Libstorff, Mia Gibson, Beau Childress, and Dominic Boniol.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; April 25, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156.  He will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Friday; April 26, 2024, at New Life Church; 6023 Summerfield Road, Petersburg, Michigan 49270.  A funeral service celebrating his life will follow at 11:00am with the Senior Pastor of the church, Joshua Ellis and Pastor Heather Boone co-officiating.  A procession will follow to Pleasantview Cemetery in Summerfield Township. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Oaks of Righteousness Christian Ministries or New Life Church.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.