Larry Wayne East
February 28, 1948 ~ March 27, 2025
Larry Wayne East, 77, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025. He was born on February 28, 1948, in Loretto, Tennessee, to the late Mable and Joe East.
Larry proudly served his country for 34 years in the United States military, answering the call of duty in three wars—Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. A warrior in every sense of the word, he completed elite training in Airborne, Sniper, and Jungle Expert schools, distinguishing himself as a soldier of exceptional skill, discipline, and bravery.
On May 7, 1977, Larry married the love of his life, Geraldine Parker. Together, they built a strong and loving family. He is survived by his daughters, Tonya Kiel (Chris), Bobbie Mullins (Rick); sons, Christopher Parker, Gregory Parker (Jennifer), John Parker, and Gordon Parker; his sisters, Judy Stall and Kim Cox and his brothers, Terry East and Jerry Lamb. Larry also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Geraldine East, his daughter Billie Parker Davidson, his parents Mable and Joe East, his sisters Patricia East and Linda Jones, and his brother Barry East.
Visitation will be held Monday, March 31st, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home in Columbus, Indiana. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 1st, at 12:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Following the service, he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Gerri, with full military honors in Garland Brook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Larry's honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Foundation, causes close to his heart.
Larry will be remembered for his strength, his sacrifice, and his unshakable dedication to his family and country. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he loved and protected.
You are invited to view his video tribute and share a memory of Larry via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com
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Please text me on telegram or WhatsApp +1 (412) 582‑7659 just bored here need to FaceTime
Larry is my cousin. He was a kind, loyal and good hearted man. He would do anything for you. I’m going to miss him dearly! Love, Phyllis
Please text me on telegram or WhatsApp +1 (412) 582‑7659 just bored here need to FaceTime
Larry was a great friend. He would do anything to help you. He was a great coworker when we worked at Con-Way. He will always be in my memory. Condolences and prayers for the East family.
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Please text me on telegram or WhatsApp +1 (412) 582‑7659 just bored here need to FaceTime
Dreams From the Heart Bouquet was purchased for the family of Larry Wayne East.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Larry Wayne East.
Touching Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of Larry Wayne East.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Larry Wayne East.
Larry was my older brother and life guide. I watched him witness to others about his strong faith and importance of having Our Good Lord in your life. His lovely daughter Tonya, shared with family that at the end he was seeing angels and our mother. She came for him. Larry’s passing was so peaceful. We will miss him. Judy Stall
The XPC Quality Team purchased the Beautiful Heart Bouquet for the family of Larry Wayne East.
The XPC Quality Team planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Larry Wayne East.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Larry Wayne East.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Larry Wayne East.
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Larry and al his siblings grew up with me and my brothers. A houseful of noise and fun for sure. The younger kids would be at our house playing and here would come Larry telling them it was time to come home, using that gruff voice! His dad had a garden at my parents house – quite the nice garden complete with his tiller. We loved hearing him call out for his “boys”! So many memories to mention but he was the leader of the “pack” and we all knew it! He earned his crown in heaven! Susan Niemoeller Scales
Larry was my running buddy for a lot of years. When I first started running with him, I could only run a couple of blocks. Larry continued to motivate me and nine months later I ran the San Francisco Marathon. I owe Larry my health. He was an amazing person and I am truly going to miss him. May perpetual light shine upon you my friend. Always, Jerry
Brenda, CPT Fitzpatrick & MSG Estermyer purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Larry Wayne East.
Brenda, CPT Fitzpatrick & MSG Estermyer planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Larry Wayne East.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Larry Wayne East.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Larry Wayne East.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Larry Wayne East.
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1SG Larry East was my First Sergeant when we were deployed to Iraq in 2004/2005. He was a great leader and was well liked by all of us. Thank you for your service! Rest in Peace 1SG East. My sincere condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Paulina B. Huffman
SFC (Ret), US Army
1998-2018
l was a neighbor of Larry’s in the Broadmoor addition in Columbus. I got to know him mostly by our mailbox meeting visits. I was impressed by his love of God, family, and country. One of our last visits we prayed together.
What a great man! Pray for us Larry. ❤️
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Lit a candle in memory of Larry Wayne East