Larry Allyn Ackerson, a husband, father, brother, friend, and best Grandpa ever, passed away on December 25, 2020 at the age of 74. Larry, son of Allyn Jay Ackerson and Margaret Ellen (Shilton) Ackerson, was born in Lansing, Michigan on December 27, 1945.
Larry graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1964. Following graduation, he enrolled at Michigan State University and while there he was then drafted into the Army. While in the Army, Larry attended Officers Candidate School after which he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. Those close to Larry describe how he was perfect Officer material in the Army, with his strict and orderly ways. They also describe how with each child he had he softened slightly, before his grandchildren turned him into complete mush. Larry served a tour of duty in Germany and ended his enlistment as a Captain. Following his time in the service, Larry returned to MSU and earned his degree in Agriculture and Food Systems Economics. While at MSU, Larry made it a point to visit his youngest sister, Vicki, who was a Freshman. During Larry’s freshman year he roomed with Bill Weller, who became a lifelong friend and brother-in-law. Following college, Larry worked at Greenstone Farm Credit Services servicing as a loan officer and branch manager before purchasing property in his early 60’s and becoming a beloved hay farmer in Mason, Michigan.
Larry married his wife of 51 years, Judy Marie (Beard) Ackerson, in 1969. They had five children together, which brought them fifteen grandchildren who range in age from one to twenty-six years old. Surviving in addition to his wife Judy Marie (Beard) Ackerson, are his siblings Patti Ann (Ackerson) Weller and her husband Bill, John Jay Ackerson and his wife Sharon, Ronald Earl Ackerson and his wife Cindy, Norma Kay (Ackerson) Russell and her husband Grant, Vicki Jane (Ackerson) Pontz and her husband Robert; children Stacie Marie (Ackerson) Ellison and her husband Mark, Tamie Rene’ (Ackerson) Stampfly and her husband Leonard, L.Scott Allyn Ackerson and his wife Kerry, Amanda Lynn (Ackerson) Forrester and her husband Jason, Derek Joseph Ackerson and his wife Allison; grandchildren Brody, Andrew, Jack, Natalie, Kyle, Devin, Colin, Trent, Avary, Sam, Jackson, Isabelle, Easton, Parker, and Adam.
Larry, known for keeping everyone on the straight and narrow, his sense of humor, loyalty, and willingness to help anyone in need was respected and loved throughout the community. Larry was a member of the local Kiwanis Village for 37 years and served as their detail-oriented Treasurer. Larry was a valued golf partner and enjoyed golfing with his friends and family. Larry not only cut, baled, and delivered hay, but also tapped maple trees for maple syrup. Larry volunteered his time with the Mason Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter, where he shared his knowledge of syrup and such. ‘Grandpa’s Maple Syrup’ is one of the many things his family will miss. Larry’s work ethic, loyalty, and family-first mentality will not be forgotten and will carry-on.
Those who wish to make donations in Larry’s memory, can do so to the Mason Future Farmers of America Chapter. Checks can be made out to Mason High School and sent to the high school attention of the Mason FFA Chapter. Please include Larry’s name as well as your name and address.
A celebration of his life will be held at the family farm at 1375 Every Road, Mason, Michigan 48854 on May 16, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to Celebration of Life Service on May 16, 2021 at 12:30 pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Ackerson family.
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