Lawrence Francis Monroe

Lawrence F. Larry Monroe, age 84, of Maumee, Ohio passed away Monday, March 9, 2009 in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 9, 1924 in Bradford, PA to Louis and Sarah McGregor Monroe. At the age of 18, Larry entered the US Army and received Armored Infantry training at Camp Polk, LA. In November of 1943 he entered the Army Air Force for pilot training and later was sent to the Infantry due to a greater need of Infantrymen. Larry served in the Normandy Invasion, Rhineland Campaign including the Battle of the Bulge and Central Europe, receiving many commendations including his proud achievement of the Combat Infantry Badge, 2 Bronze Stars and 2 Purple Hearts. After the service Larry attended St. Bonaventure College and was recruited by Woolworths upon graduation. He later left Woolworths and joined Lion Store where he worked as a Merchandise Manager for 35 years, retiring in 1988. Larry was instrumental in the founding of the Maumee VFW Post 11115 where he served as Commander from 1991-1992 and 1999-2006. He was also a member of the Maumee American Legion Post, Combat Infantry Association and the 86th Infantry Blackhawk Division. Larry also was involved with the Voice of Democracy program and spoke with his fellow veterans at many schools. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Paula Greding Monroe, whom he married March 26, 1966 in Lambertville, MI; sons, Jim Kim Monroe, Matt Angi Monroe, Tim Monroe and Mark Joy Mullholand Monroe; grandchildren, Jamie Sower, Sarah Monroe, Carter Crum, Shawna Monroe and Dylan Crum; sister-in-law, Betty Monroe; and nephews, Bob Bogusia Monroe and Gary Monroe. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Monroe. Family and friends may visit Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 2-8 p.m. in the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee where a VFW service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Waterville. A military committal service will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. The family would like to thank the SICU Staff and team of doctors at Toledo Hospital for their exceptional care given to Larry. The family requests memorial contributions to Zion Lutheran Church, Waterville or Maumee VFW Post 11115. www.walkerfuneralhomes.com