Lawrence Lynn Semrau

His childhood days in Riverside included playing baseball, being on a competitive swim team, coaching swimmers, life guarding, going to dances, and having lots of fun “in the California sun” at the beaches with friends and family. Larry took his love of competitive swimming with him to college and into his military service. He swam with the Baylor University swim team in Waco, Texas and coached competitive swim teams while living and serving in Okinawa, Japan.

In 1966, Larry graduated from Baylor University with double majors: BA in Math and BA in Religion. His educational achievements include the following: MS (Counseling) Butler University; Master of Divinity (Theology) Christian Theological Seminary; and Doctor of Ministry (Psychotherapy) Christian Theological Seminary.

Larry loved his country and joined the United States Army in 1967 to begin his military career. As part of his career, his language ability was an asset. He was conversationally fluent in English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Vietnamese. He was devoted to his mission and retired as Colonel (O-6) Semrau, Commander of the Military Intelligence Detachment, Indianapolis, IN. Thank you for your service, Colonel!

While in Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, Larry Lynn met Sherry Lynn in a Columbus, GA church setting. On July 27, 1968, the “Lynns” were married. During 57 years of marriage, they formed a strong partnership that was devoted to helping, healing, and encouraging others to embrace the Divine Love of God within. Rev. Dr. Col Larry Lynn Semrau and Rev. Dr. Sherry Lynn Semrau both had/have a passion for their “calling”. One could often hear them say, “Follow your heart. Choose love. You are part of the Divine!”

In 1985, Larry completed a pastoral internship/residency program at Methodist Hospital of Indiana. Afterwards, he was hired as the Director, Life Enrichment Counseling Centers, Methodist Health Systems, Memphis, TN. He established or served in several counseling centers after he left Methodist Health Systems: Christ United Methodist Church, LMFT Staff, Memphis, TN; Decatur Christian Church Counseling Center, Director, Memphis, TN; Heartsong Methodist Church Counseling Centre, Co-Director with Dr. Sherry Semrau, Cordova, TN. For decades, Larry’s “white board” drawings were of major significance in the lives of many individuals that happened to visit his office.

Being a part of the international team that helped write workshop curriculum for the Imago Relationship Therapy community was a joy in Larry’s life! In 2009, he was part of the Advisory Team for A NEW WAY TO LOVE, Living God’s Purpose for your Marriage. Larry and Sherry co-lead a pilot program to help launch the program’s development. A special thanks is being offered to the universe for the lives of Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D. for their teaching, coaching and encouragement during Larry and Sherry’s relationship journey.

Larry was a skilled, talented and unique person. His sense of humor, laughter and creativity were enjoyed by many during the 82 years of his life. Larry Lynn Semrau was ONE OF A KIND! His energy, light and love will be missed by many. Larry wanted those that have known him to continue to maximize their life’s journey. One of the highlights of Larry’s later years was driving his boat around Greer’s Ferry Lake and pulling the towable with his son, Josh, daughter in law, Lee, and grandson, Luke holding on as Pappy turned the boat around for extra thrills! Going to soccer games with family was very special, especially during the cold weather when hot chocolate was served! As Larry aged, each outing became a cherished activity.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerda Korf Semrau, Lawrence Walter Semrau, sister, Nancy Semrau Buckman, and son, David Christopher Semrau.

His surviving family include spouse, Sherry Lynn Semrau, son, Joshua Michael Semrau, daughter-in-law, Y. Lee Semrau, and grandson, Luke Lee Semrau. This family cherishes his love, dedication, devotion and life! We loved him THEN, we love him NOW, and we will love him FOREVER. Thank you, Larry, my sweetheart, thank you, Dad, and thank you, Pappy for sharing your life and love with us!

There will be a private service held at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any memorials be sent to a charity of your choice. We particularly ask that you remember our United States Veterans!