We feel extremely blessed and honored to have had the opportunity to have been inspired, taught, supported, cared for and raised by Mr. Lawrence (Brother Larry) Duplechan Sr., and privileged to help celebrate his life. Affectionately known by various monikers and terms of endearment such as “Babe” or “BabyLow”, L.J., Brother Larry, and Brother Dupe, Larry Duplechan Sr. was a Godly man, a devout Christian; a mentor, a financial genius, a patriotic and proud soldier; a consummate Bible teacher, and an exemplary father and husband. He was a man who was genuinely and tirelessly devoted to both his family and to his faith in The Lord Jesus Christ.
Larry Duplechan was born on November 25th 1931 in a small Louisiana town called Mermentau. He was the youngest child of Doris and Edolia Duplechan (ergo the nickname “BabyLow” and “Babe”). As a small boy, Larry was precocious, curious and clever; and as a young man, neat, intelligent, good looking and respectful. He was always wise well beyond his years.
At the tender age of 16, driven by ambition and a sense of patriotism, Larry lied about his age and volunteered to serve in the United States Armed Forces. He served valiantly and proudly in the 24th Infantry Regiment during the Korean Conflict. Larry was proud to be recognized a “Buffalo Soldier” during times of war abroad and racial strife at home. Larry once stated: “… when I think of the Buffalo Soldiers I consider the fact that I in fact stand on the shoulders of all the Buffalo Soldiers who came before me and it brings about a true sense of pride and gratitude…”
Larry received the honor and recognition of a Purple Heart medal for a gunshot wound received in battle. He was discharged after two tours in 1952, as a Corporal E-4.
Following his Army service, Larry rekindled his relationship with his hometown sweetheart Margie Nell Andrus and married her in Sherman Oaks, California in June 1958. The two of them raised four boys: Lawrence Jr., Lloyd, Lonnie and Lester. Larry was a loving, devoted father and incredibly responsible and effective financial planner and provider. At all times, Larry strived to instill within his sons the notions of hard work, ethical behavior, the importance of education and loving the Lord. But more importantly than talking about it, he led from where he stood and demonstrated through the example of his life, his behavior, his dignity and his Faith.
In 1953, Larry was hired by the Lockheed Aircraft as a “wash rack attendant”, hosing down airplanes. Throughout the ensuing course of 38 years of service with Lockheed, Larry attended technical college at night and earned certification as an electrical engineer. He advanced in the company through positions of increasing complexity and authority through the internal ranks of engineer, technical representative and engineering management. One of his long term projects was supervision of the autopilot mechanism on the L-1011 Tri-Star passenger jet. His last project prior to retirement was the F117-A Nighthawk stealth bomber.
Lawrence served as one of the founding members of Agape Community Church in 1989, and remained active until his recent illness. He has served as treasurer, deacon, and elder; and has also assisted with multiple real estate and construction projects. One of Larry’s great loves in life was teaching the Word to both new and experienced Christians. His Sunday School and Bible Study classes were well attended, insightful, and encouraged discussion and participation. Brother Dupe spent many hours each week researching details of the scripture in preparation for his class.
Family Tree
Lawrence is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margie Nell Andrus Duplechan of Lancaster, California; 4 sons, Lawrence Jr.[Greg] of Woodland Hills, Ca., Lloyd[Jill] of Riverside, Ca., Lonnie of Rancho Cucamonga, Ca., and Lester[Mellie] of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also survived by a brother, Doris “Don” Duplechain of Lancaster, Ca., a niece, Oreatha “Bea” Dunwoody of Pacoima, Ca. and first cousin Louise Dartest of Mermentau, La. Surviving grandchildren are Lauren Duplechan of Torrance, Ca., Lawrence III “Tré” of Riverside, Ca., Charity and Jordan Duplechan of Rancho Cucamonga, Ca., Heman, Noah, and Meseret Duplechan of Cincinnati, OH; and 1 great-grandson, Micah Duplechan of Torrance, Ca.
Lawrence is preceded in death by his daughter, Juanita Gail Duplechan; sister Della Green, brothers Arthur James Miller, Direll “TBoy” Duplechan, and Doyle Duplechan; parents Doris and Edolia Duplechan, and grandparents Joseph and Olive Thibodeaux [Jollivette] and Octave and Corinne Duplechan.
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