Larry Rollin Beaverson

Larry Rollin Beaverson, 84, has faithfully finished his race, and passed the baton. He left this world June 18th, 2023, Father's Day.

He was born August 19th, 1938 to Rollin and Mildred Beaverson who preceded him in death. He recently said, "I think that one of the best things that could happen to a kid is to be raised on a farm". Theirs was in northwest Ohio, near West Unity. His love for that place is shared by the generations that followed.

He met the love of his life, Linda Lou (Short) at 4-H camp, and because of her boldness they became husband and wife. Their union lasted just 40 days short of 65 years as she passed in August of last year. Surviving are their three children, Tammy Thomann, who faithfully cared for them in their home for the past 2 ½ years, Tony (Tami Lacey) Beaverson, and Todd (Dawn Watson) Beaverson both of Moberly, Missouri. They had a wonderful relationship with their 7 grandchildren, Bethany, Annie, Katie, Brandon, Christopher, Amber, and Taylor, and 14 great-grandchildren, Lily, Sean, Quinn, Noah, Liam, Abigail, Adelaide, Katon, Olivia, Oliver, Jackson, Scottie, Charlie and Benjamin and looked forward to the one on the way. He is also survived by one brother, Jerry (Jan) Beaverson, of Kentucky, and one sister-in-law, Charlotte (LeRoy) of Kunkle, Ohio. He is preceded in death by one beloved brother, Ronnie Beaverson.

His motto was Seize Today, and he did that well. He and Linda went on 10 Windjammer tall masted ship cruises where the guests helped sail the vessel, and traveled to Jamaica for respite 14 times. He authored 3 books, became a watercolor artist when he was 50, took up backpacking when he was 59, and completed a static line parachute jump for his 60th birthday. He managed a commercial building into his 80's, and continued to work out at the gym up until his health failed in his final year. He insisted on doing a "workout" two days prior to his death. He mastered the art of living, and embraced the process of dying. "I wouldn't miss this for the world," he said recently.

Larry lived a life of service. He left a promising career as a draftsman to attend Bible college, graduating from Central Christian College of the Bible in 1967. He immediately began serving churches in Northern Michigan where he spent the rest of his life. He was instrumental in challenging, training, teaching, and mentoring many individuals to serve those around them. He led by example with his greatest ministry being to those who were forgotten by others. He, and Linda, provided foster care to more than 130 children over a period of 40 years. He traveled to Thailand to work with Asian Gospel Outreach 8 times and left part of his heart there. And, he served Community Church of Christ in Lake City for 30 years, up until the final year of his life. If asked, "What do you do," he would reply, "I'm a gardener…" pause, wait for the inquisitive look, and then continue "and the world is my garden". When asked, "Are you a pastor," he would simply say, "No, I'm a servant."

The family requests that instead of flowers, memorial gifts be directed to areas where it will really make a difference. Suggestions include Asian Gospel Outreach, Sparta Community Christian Church, ATTN: Todd Brooks, 11927 Firefly Road, Sparta, WI 54656; or to Community Church of Christ of Lake City, ATTN: Barry Meyering, 3975 W. Falmouth Road, McBain, MI 49657

Relatives and friends may call on the family during a time of visitation from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

The funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Beginning the service, under the auspices of the United States Army and the Cherryland VFW Veteran's Honor Guard, military honors will be presented. There will also be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service.