Lawrence Denoyer Obituary

Lawrence P. Denoyer Sr., a mason contractor and former Bradley Trustee, was born June 6, 1928, and was greeted in his Heavenly home Sept. 27, 2024. He was greeted in Heaven by his father and mother, Edward Noel and Elsie Nourie Denoyer; his brothers, Ralph, Raymond, Sherman, Albert and Harold Denoyer; his sisters, Isabelle Elsey, Eleanor Casper and Odell Clemans; his wife, Ethel, whom he married Aug 10, 1946 (she preceded him in death April 15, 2001); their son, Lawrence "Butch" Denoyer Jr.; granddaughter, Sherri Ann O'Connor; and grandson, Michael Joseph McGowan.

Larry was loved by his 11 grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Loving him just as much were his seven stepgrandchildren; 16 stepgreat-grandchildren; and five stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

His final days were spent surrounded by the family he loved so much.

Larry was a true Renaissance man, farmer, mason contractor, licensed practicing nurse, Bradley Trustee, lifetime parishioner, community volunteer, wonderful neighbor and was an incredible storyteller. His legacy will live on in the structures he built and the memories he created with his family and friends.

He married Ethel L. Devors on Aug 10, 1946, in St. Anne. Together, they raised six children, Lawrence (Brenda) Denoyer Jr., of Gruene, Texas, Michael Denoyer, of Boynton Beach, Fla., Sharon (Michael) Hayes, of Bradley, Kathryn (David) White, of Gruene, Texas, Gary Denoyer, of Peoria, Ariz., and Jeffery (Misty) Denoyer, of Roanoke, Texas. She preceded him in death April 15, 2001.

Larry met Janet M. Leinen Smith (both widows) at the local VFW, where mutual friends suggested they dance together. On Sept. 21, 2002, at St. Joseph's Church, Bradley, they married. Together, they created a beautiful, blended family. Janet's daughter, Cheryl (Michael) Hess, of Momence, and Kevin Smith, of Joliet, soon became part of the Denoyer family.

A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at St. Joseph's Church in Bradley, followed immediately by a funeral Mass.