Lawrence Grant Kohler

Larry was born on June 24, 1918 in Spokane, Washington to Ellis and Margaret Kohler. Larry married the love of his life, Joyce, on September 22, 1943 in San Diego, California. They met while he was in the Navy and serving in San Diego and Joyce was employed as a civilian to work on the airplanes at the Naval Air Station North Island.

Larry was a career veteran serving in the United States Navy during both World War II and the Korean War. He earned several medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and American Defense Medal. He retired with 20 years of service with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After his military career, Larry worked for Prudential Life Insurance for 20 years as an Insurance Salesman.

Interests of Larry were cars and woodworking. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Phoenix for 52 years even helping to build the church building. He served in a variety of roles over those 52 years including being the first to turn on the lights and the last to turn them out, helping develop and maintain the rose garden, and loving church members in many ways.

Larry is survived by his wife, Joyce, son, Richard (Jean) Kohler, daughter Judy (Chuck) Hatfield, daughter Lynda (Wade) Stitt, grandchildren Chrissy (Doug)Winters, Steve Kohler, Keven Stitt, Kaylene (Clarence) Meyer, and great grandchildren Joey, Zach, Jacob (Abby), and Curtis.

A Memorial service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 7949 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ, (623) 849-1676 on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 11:00 am, with Pastor Martin officiating, and message by son-in-law, Wade Stitt. All are invited to the luncheon immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014 (602) 530-6992.