Larry A. DeFries

DeFries, Larry A. of Deerfield Beach, Fl died October 18,2010. Larry was born of February 2, 1939 in Warsaw, Ind. to Donald E. and Altha Mae DeFries. Both his parents preceded him in death. Larry if survived by his loving wife Ann Shaffner DeFries, 2 sons Joe and Aaron DeFries and daughter Laura DeFries, 2 granddaughters Courtney and Paige DeFries and grandson Ethan DeFries, 2 brothers Alan(Bonnie) DeFries of Stevensville, Mi, Doug DeFries of Waterford, Mi, and his sister Jayne DeFries-Tregoning (Bob) of Lake Ann, Mi. Larry graduated from St Joseph Michigan High School in 1958 and Western Michigan University in 1962 where he obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting and economics. After college he proudly served in the US Marine Corps Reserve. Larry then pursued graduate management studies at Syracuse, Michigan State and Notre Dame Universities. Larry served as a Chamber of Commerce Executive for over 30 years in the communities of Logansport, Ind, South Bend, Ind, Lima, Oh. Spencer, Iowa, and the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio, Past President of Theta Xi Fraternity, Past President South Bend Jaycees, Board Chairman Lima State Hospital Citizens Advisory Board, Chairman Allen County Employment and Training Council, Board Chairman of the Allen County Ohio Bicentennial Commission and a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. Larry was passionate about community redevelopement, adding convention and visitors bureaus to cities that he served and helping to revitalize the small and large business owner. Funeral services will be 12 noon Friday, October 22, 2010 at the KRAEER/BECKER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER: 217 E. Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, Fl 33441 (954-427-5544) Friends may cal from 6-8Pm Thursday and 10 AM until service time on Friday at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Larry's name to Vitas Hospice. www.kraeerdeerfieldbeach.com.