Larry W. Downing, 83, of Elkhart, formerly of Lafayette, IN, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Greenleaf Health Campus, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born February 14, 1943, in Lafayette to the late Lester W. and Daisy M. (Camp) Downing. Also preceding him in death was his sister, Marjorie Sherfick.

Larry married Sondra Rowland on March 2, 1963 in Lafayette, IN. She survives along with a daughter, Tonja (Frank) Lucchese of Elkhart; a son, Tony (Michele) Downing of Middlebury and two grandchildren, Ashley Lucchese and Grant (Kelsee) Lucchese.

After a 30-year career as a supervisor with the ALCOA Corporation in Lafayette, Larry and Sondra moved to Elkhart in 2003 to be closer to family. He never missed an opportunity to attend the sporting events of his grandchildren and was affectionately known as “Big Lar” to many of their teammates. His voice was always recognizable! His nieces and nephews were known as “Pups” and he was famous for his “Larryisms”, which we cannot print here! He was a 15-year sober member of AA and enjoyed the friendships he made at the New Hope Group. A favorite past-time of his was playing cards, and it didn’t matter what game. He loved playing cards! He also enjoyed going to the casino and taking cruises with his sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws, because they usually had a casino and card games! He also coached his children’s basketball, baseball and softball teams as they were growing up. Larry enjoyed breakfast, his dogs, which he took everywhere and playing slow pitch softball when he was younger. He was also a master sandcastle builder, often times spending hours on the beach with his family building masterpieces. Larry also enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms in the Spring.

Visitation for Big Lar will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 3:30 pm until 5:30 pm at the Wellfield Botanic Gardens 1011 N. Main St. Elkhart, IN 46514. There will be a Time of Remembrance immediately following visitation at 5:30. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff, aides and cooks for the loving care shown to Larry during his stay at Greenleaf Health Campus. Your kindness will not be forgotten. Also, a special Thank You to all Larry’s AA friends for their Sunday visits.

Memorial contributions in memory of Larry may be made to the New Hope Group 305 W. Franklin St. Elkhart, In 46516.