Lawrence Larry "Larry" Phillion

Lawrence Phillion, servant of God and follower of his teachings, rests in his arms after succumbing to cancer on March 21, 2011, in Nassau Bay, Texas. He died as he lived, surrounded by his family and loving wife, Irene.

Lawrence was born Jan 4, 1926 to Grace and James Phillion in Saginaw, Michigan. There he grew up the third child of four, and probably the most mischievous. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School, and enlisted in the Army Air Force where he served as a corporal during World War II, trying as best he could to right the wrongs of the Axis Powers.

He came home with dreams of being a forest ranger, but met Irene, a dark haired beauty whom he proposed to six weeks later. They married and raised a family according to their mutual beliefs in country, community, family, and God. Lawrence worked for the city of Saginaw as a housing inspector, and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. After retirement, he and Irene moved to Oscoda, MI and again became active in the community working many years for Habitat for Humanity.

Dad believed in doing the right thing, working a hard day for an honest dollar, and giving back to the community. With Mom at his side, he taught us the right way to live and to instill these values in our children. Dad also taught us what “love and honor” really meant when he took his marriage vows. After sixty-one years of marriage, he is separated from Mom for the first time, entrusting her to her family’s care.

Lawrence is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Irene Phillion of Nassau Bay; his daughter, Kathleen Kirst, her husband, Thomas, children Kerry and Kaley LaRose; daughter, Jacqueline Garrett, husband Mike, children Ricky, Michael, and Olivia Casavecchia; son, James Phillion, wife Katherine, daughter, Stephanie, and extended family: the Condics and Jean Sullivan. He will watch over his little sister, Helen St. Louis from Heaven.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amato’s staff, Hermann Memorial Hospital, and the staff at Christus Saint John for helping him in his fight with cancer, making him comfortable and allowing his family to be with him at all times.

Services will be Friday, March 25 at 2:30 at Webster Presbyterian Church in Webster, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Oscoda chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Daddy, we love you and can’t wait until the day we can see you again. We know you will be holding Mom’s hand.