William Laurence Verrill

89, of Brownsburg, formerly of Carmel, departed this life Monday, December 16, 2019. Larry was born July 30, 1930 in Biddeford, Maine to the late Basil Laurence and Arieta Isabelle (Church) Verrill. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Larry studied engineering at Purdue University and worked as a draftsman for Henry B. Steeg & Associates. He retired from United Consulting Engineers as a bridge detailer after 27 years. After retirement, he worked part-time at Joe O’Malia’s Food Market at the meat counter, and then delivered flowers for Heritage House of Carmel. Larry was accomplished at many things involving detail and work with his hands. He was a gardener both outside growing beautiful roses, day lilies, perennials and vegetables, and grew and showed African violets and orchids, and in the last several years, grew Bonsai trees. Larry raised pedigree rabbits, mostly Netherland dwarfs. He was an expert wood carver, especially enjoying making and carving muzzle loaders, gun stocks, and deer or elk horn handled knives. Larry enjoyed needlepoint and cross-stitch, basket weaving, and photography. During Larry’s lifetime he was a member of the Circle City Carvers, National Orchid Society, The African Violet Society, and the American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club serving as an officer in several. Larry had a deep appreciation of Western Native American Culture. He truly was a “Spirit of the West” and specifically collected and recreated Southwestern artifacts. He also was quite savvy with computers and regularly followed and posted on Facebook, created a blog, and frequently contributed to the Indianapolis Star “Let It Out” column and the Carmel Current Magazine. Although he could be stubborn and opinionated at times, Larry was a kind and gentle man with a witty sense of humor, who was happiest making memories with family and friends. He always appreciated a good margarita or dark beer, enjoyed a good laugh and liked to keep things simple.

Larry was preceded in death by his devoted and beloved wife of 57 years, Carol (King) Verrill and sister-in-law Hazel Verrill. He is survived by his loving children, William L. (Gloria) Verrill, Jr.(Bill), Susan D. (Charlie) Wyckoff, Philip L. (Cindy) Verrill and Karen M. (Steve) Susemichel (Kari); his siblings, Roger S. Verrill, Nancy Clinch Cutress, Dwight A. (Billie) Verrill and Norma (Bob) Kilton; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who adored their “Grampy”.

Visitation for Larry will begin at 12:00 pm and conclude at time of services at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 20th at Leppert Mortuary – Smith Carmel Chapel. Internment follows at Carmel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of William L Verrill (Larry) are suggested to Larry’s alma mater, Thorton Academy, Headmaster’s Student Assistance Fund, 438 Main Street, Saco, ME 04072-1565 or online at

https://www.thorntonacademy.org/support-thornton-academy/make-a-gift