Larry W. Barfell

Larry W. Barfell, 88, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Esther’s House at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart, surrounded by his family.

He was born February 17, 1938, in Elkhart to the late Paul W. and Margaret L. (Replogle) Barfell. Also preceding Larry in death was a brother, Donald L. Barfell and his mother and father-in-law, Kenneth and Elsie Kiefer.

On June 1, 1963, Larry married Jean Kiefer in Elkhart at Central Christian Church. Jean survives along with three daughters: Rachelle (Thad) Naquin, Lezlie (Chris) Himes, Darcie (David) Koerting and a son, Marc (Jill) Barfell, all of Elkhart. Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Nik (Gaby) Naquin, Natalie Naquin, Liz (Reid) LaVenture, Brad (Corrin) Barfell, Ted (Shellie) Himes, Ben (Sophia Murray) Barfell, Joey (Abby Tubbs) Himes, Charlie (Sabrina Simms) Gorham, Christopher Gorham, and Kenneth Gorham all of Elkhart and three great grandchildren: Cam, Jillian, and Frankie.

Larry founded Elkhart Machine and Tool in 1964 and operated it until his “semi” retirement. He was a veteran of the United States Army, was a member and past president of Elcona Country Club and also was a past member of the Elk’s Lodge and Four Lakes Country Club and Olde Florida, Naple Fl.  Larry also was a 32nd Degree Free and Accepted Mason, a member of Shriners International and the Scottish Rite as well as a member of the Grand Council of the Order of the De Molay. He enjoyed golf, boating and fishing. Did we mention Larry liked golf?!

Above all, he believed in the people he loved. Family was his greatest treasure, the place where his heart always returned. Although we say goodbye for now, the story he wrote with his life doesn’t end here. In the love he gave, the lessons he shared and the memories we hold close, his legacy continues - reminding us to live boldly, love deeply, and believe that the best is yet to come.

Visitation for Larry will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 11 am until the hour of services at 1:00 pm, all at Trinity on Jackson Church in Elkhart. The Rev. Lori Grasty will officiate, and burial will be in Rice Cemetery. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Larry may be made to Cancer Resources of Elkhart County PO Box 244 Elkhart, IN 46515.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry W. Barfell, please visit our floral store.