MINERVA:  Larry E. Lanphear of Minerva, NY, 87, passed away surrounded by his beloved family on July 15, 2026 at his residence.

Larry was born on January 13, 1939 to the late Earl and Doris (VanDerwalker) Lanphear in Glens Falls Hospital.  He graduated from Minerva Central School in 1957. Larry went straight to work until the age of 23, when he was drafted in 1962 into the Army Corps of Engineers, serving until 1964.

Larry took Basic Training at Fort Gordon, and then went on to Fort Belvoir, VA, where he was assigned to the 100th Engineer Co., operating heavy equipment as part of a Floating Bridge outfit, as well as moving equipment with tractor trailers for the remainder of his two-year hitch.  Larry also had the privilege of being assigned as part of the duty to protect the integrity of president John F. Kennedy’s funeral, and was present when the then leader of the USSR, Khrushchev, came to pay his respects.  Upon discharge in January 1964, Larry was a Corporal, Spec-4.

After proudly serving in the military, Larry began his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Finch Paper, where he dedicated 32 years of service. He married the love of his life, Margaret "Peg," and together they built a life filled with love and family. This September, they would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

Larry had a lifelong love of deer hunting and, for many years, proudly harvested more deer than any of his friends or family. What he enjoyed most was the camaraderie of sitting around a lunch-time fire, sharing stories with his brother, Gary, his grandson Kyle, and other friends and family. He was a devoted member and trustee of the First Baptist Church of Minerva and was also a member of American Legion Post 629.

Above all else, Larry's greatest passion was his family. He cherished his wife, Peg; his daughters; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with those he loved, and those moments together were the ones he treasured most.

Besides his parents, Earl and Doris, Larry is predeceased by his sister Barbara Holmes.

Left to cherish Larry’s memory is his wife Peg Lanphear of Minerva; loving daughters Michelle Lanphear and Nicole LaBounty both of Minerva; brother Gary (Barb) Lanphear of Voorheesville; brother-in-law Roy Holmes of Dover Plains; grandchildren Danielle Lanphear, John Murphy (husband) of Fair Oaks, CA, Samantha French and boyfriend Craig Daniels of Minerva, Kyle (Rachel) LaBounty of North Creek, and Kara LaBounty of Minerva; great grandchildren Bently LaBounty, Charlotte French and Gunner LaBounty along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Minerva.  Mailing address, 11 Stewart Road, Minerva, NY 12851

Visitation for Larry’s family and friends will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 11am – Noon at the First Baptist Church of Minerva. A funeral service will be held following visitation at Noon with Pastor Paul Miller officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Minerva Baptist Cemetery with military honors.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.