Larry A. Gwinn

Larry Gwinn, 69, passed away October 14, 2018.  The captain of our ship has left his post. However, we will not be adrift.  He was the perfect captain, teaching us, guiding us, by example more than anything and being the anchor we often needed.  Larry was born in Akron to Ruby and the late Charlie Gwinn.  He graduated from Garfield High School in 1967, served in the Marine Reserves from 1969-1975, and graduated from the University of Akron. Larry worked for Sparkle Markets, Betsy Ross Foods, Peter J. Schmitt, and retired from GED Automation (Twinsburg).  He loved the Beatles, Sam & Dave, Van Morrison, and Elvis doing Polk Salad Annie.

Larry was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2012 and provided his crew with firsthand training of steering unknown waters, and sometimes with eyes wide shut.  He was the master of his fate and captain of his ship.

In addition to his father, Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul & Zollie Tomlinson; brother, Gary Gwinn; father-in-law, Paul Walker; and most recently his sisters-in-law, Janet and Paula Walker.  Larry leaves behind his “crew”, Lyn, wife of 40 years; sons, Benjamin (Lynn) and Aaron; daughter, Carrie; grandchildren, Calvin Gwinn (his WWII partner) and Morgan Miller (sweeters); mother, Ruby Gwinn; brothers-in-law, Gary and Greg Walker; nieces, Heather (Danny) Hentosz, Melissa Walker, Cassandra (Jonathan) Kampfer and Jessica (Joshua) Beshears; and nephew, Cory Walker.

Lessons learned from our humble captain were many, but most importantly they were family, faith, perseverance, humility, hope, humor, country and realism.  To Dr. Ghassan Khayatt and Dr. Sonia Sandhu, thanks for helping steer the course.  Larry trusted you and appreciated your candor.

“Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly
Into the mystic”

Van Morrison

“You and I have memories, longer than the road stretches out ahead”

Paul McCartney

A funeral service will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. (SR 619), Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Jeffrey Hancock officiating.  Family and friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 3:30 P.M. and 5 to 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to Messiah Lutheran Church, 4700 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44319.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

In the quiet of the morning
Before anyone else stirs
My heart feels the most pain
As I listen to the birds

I recall with such clarity
The life we have chanced
And I am so deeply grateful
For saying yes to the dance

Love,

Lynnie

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

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