Lawrence Francis Clancy

Larry was born in Peoria, Illinois, on May 20, 1928, the son of the late Earl and Helen (Engler) Clancy. His loving wife Shirley Barrett Clancy preceded him in death on June 25, 2004.

Larry is survived by five children, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Dan (D.J.) of Woodstock, Georgia, with children Ryan and Todd; Tom (Nina) of Albany, Georgia, with children Zoe, Paul, Ann, and grandchild Lilly; Peggy (Jon Flyte) of Cooperstown, New York; Nora (Stuart Ami) of Parker, Colorado, with children Claire, Grace, and Eve; and Rick (Marian) of Scottsdale, Arizona, with children Lucas, Noah, and Ella. Larry joins his brothers Donald and Robert in eternal rest; he is survived by his sisters Mary Polonus of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Kay Shank of Peoria, Illinois.

Larry attended Woodruff High School for two years before being selected in 1944 to join Caterpillar Tractor Company’s four-year Manufacturing Training apprentice program. This program provided workers to compensate for those who were overseas in the war effort. Students received daily engineering training while high school teachers visited Caterpillar in the afternoons to cover requisite classes. When he was of age, Larry chose to serve in the U.S. Navy, as did both his older brother Don and his younger brother Bob.

After the war, while working at Caterpillar, Larry met Shirley Barrett, also of Peoria, and they married on June 24, 1950. The couple raised five children and followed the Catholic faith, with Larry belonging to the Knights of Columbus order for many years. They resided for twenty-seven years in the Peoria area before moving to Aurora, Illinois, in 1977 and then retiring to Roswell, Georgia, in 1993.

Larry enjoyed forty-five years as a CAT engineer, designing innovations for their large truck and farm tractor divisions. Among other leisure time pursuits, he was an avid golfer, a passion that he loved sharing with his three sons, with his extended family, and with many friends throughout the years. In addition to his golf, he is fondly remembered for his love of social bridge playing, delight at making popcorn, concocting and enjoying a good martini, backyard grilling, and enjoyment of a perfect fried catfish. Larry loved to travel, and his family will long treasure his beautiful and skillful photographs. Everyone who knew him cherishes memories of his dry sense of humor.

Larry resided at St. George Village in Roswell, Georgia. There he was especially appreciative of being able to actively follow his Catholic faith and attend regular rosary services. His family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of St. George for their thoughtful care and dedication to Larry’s health and well being during his final years.

Cremation rites will be accorded, with interment at Resurrection Cemetery & Mausoleum in Peoria, Illinois, in May.

A memorial Mass will be held in Larry’s honor at St. Peter Chanel Church in Roswell, Georgia, at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 19.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation or to your preferred charity in his name.