Lawrence Philip Kable

Lawrence "Larry" Kable, age 93, of Upper Arlington, passed away surrounded by his devoted family on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Friendship Village, Dublin. He is proceeded in death by his beloved wife Mary Lou, parents Lawrence and Malissa Kable, and brothers Don and Joe.

Larry was born and raised in Celina, Ohio. His family was active in Mercer County politics, community service, and St. John's Lutheran Church. They instilled an unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and unfailing kindness in Larry, Don and Joe.

In 1935, his father (the Mercer County Clerk of Courts) contracted tuberculosis and was incapacitated. Consequently, Larry's mother began clerking for her father and Larry's grandfather Probate Judge John Mesarvey.

To supplement the family's income, Larry, from ages 7 to 14, peddled THE SATURDAY EVENING POST at the Celina Train Depot and supervised fellow "Newsies."

Throughout high school, Larry worked at Kendall's Drugstore and Soda Fountain. Bob Kendall was one of the most influential people in Larry's life. At Celina High School, Larry was president of the Student Council and played the trombone in the band.

Immediately after high school, he enlisted in the Navy. During World War II, Signalman Lawrence Kable traveled the world on gasoline tankers. Larry came home with a widened world view, even flatter feet, and a gunny sack full of stories about his misadventures on the ships.

Aided by the G.I. Bill, Larry graduated from Capital University, where he met the love of his life Mary Lou Miller. Larry was President of the Class of 1950 and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Social Studies Education. While at Capital, Larry honed his keen intellect and expanded his already well-developed sense of humor. His escapades with his friends--mostly future Lutheran ministers--in the Capital Men's Glee Club were favorite memories. At a Glee Club rehearsal, he was introduced to Mary Lou, a piano performance major and the prettiest co-ed in the Music Conservatory. The day after Larry graduated, they were married at St. John's Lutheran Church in Grove City, Mary Lou's home church. The reception was held on the Miller's family farm.

Larry joined the Celina Insurance Group as an agent liaison. Soon thereafter, Larry became an underwriter for Motorist Mutual, and Larry and Mary Lou returned to Central Ohio and raised their family. Larry was offered the position of underwriting manager at Automobile Club Insurance Company. He worked at AICI For forty-six years, retiring as its President and CEO.

Throughout his career as an insurance executive, Larry was a leader in many professional organizations including CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) and CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter). As a trustee of The Griffith Insurance Education Foundation, he advised insurance professors at OSU.

In 1964, the Kable family moved to Upper Arlington and became members of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. For years, Larry was an adult Sunday School teacher and a Bethel Bible Study instructor. Larry and Mary Lou resided on Wenbury Road, and they appreciated their fine neighbors.

Larry and Mary Lou-"Pop" and "Nana"-were dedicated, loving parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. Like Nana, Pop will be greatly missed by his daughters and their spouses Kristy (Rich) Smith, Jana (Michael) Milligan; grandchildren and their spouses Courtney (Chad) Clark, Jason (Kelly) Milligan, and Kevin (fiancé Amy Kiminas) Milligan; great-grandchildren Andrew Clark, Madelyn Clark, and Katherine Milligan; and all who knew him. The family is blessed Nana and Pop spent their "retirement" years with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored them.

Larry Kable lived his faith. He was kind and good to everyone. No matter where he was, Larry gathered a huge group of friends, and they appreciated his gentle, warm sense of humor. His last two years, Pop resided at Friendship Village of Dublin. He befriended his caretakers and enjoyed singing with them. Thank you, Friendship Village and Capital City Hospice staff, for taking extraordinary care of Pop.

Calling hours will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, March 16, at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church with the funeral service at 11 AM. Interment Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Capital University, c/o Advancement Department, 1 College and Main, Bexley, Ohio 43209, or to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220, where Larry and Mary Lou were members for fifty-six years.