New Richmond – Larry L. Lidester, age 65 of New Richmond, died at 8:58 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2013 in his residence, surrounded by his family. Larry had bravely battled cancer the past several years. He was born in Crawfordsville, December 11, 1947. His parents Archie and Juanita Crowder Lidester preceded him in death. Larry married Elaine Pendleton in Wingate, December 18, 1966, she survives.
Larry spent his lifetime in the New Richmond area. He graduated from Coal Creek Central School where he was an outstanding athlete, especially baseball and basketball. In 1966 Larry was named to the list of 'One Hundred All Stars' in Indiana basketball. He was inducted into the Montgomery County Basketball Hall of Fame. Following high school, Larry served three years with the US Army with a tour of duty in Viet Nam and Germany. While serving in the Army, Larry pitched for the grandson of Gerneral George Patton's baseball team. Larry recently retired after serving 39 years with Ceres Solutions as a sales/customer service representative. Area farmers relied on Larry's knowledge, expertise, honesty and straight from the hip manner. He rose through the ranks, working all aspects of fertilizer and chemical applications and possessed a loyal respect from the farmers he served.
Larry was a great bowler and golfer, rolling a 300 game and three holes-in-one. He was a member of American Legion Post 72, Eagles 1005 Crawfordsville and Rocky Ridge Golf Club. But above all, Larry was a family man. He loved his family and considered his greatest time, was time spent with them. Larry was generous, unselfish and quite a joke teller!
Surviving along with his wife Elaine are; two daughters: Dawn Lidester and Natalie Lidester both of Linden, a brother Jack (Donna) Lidester of Wingate, three sisters: Sharon Nickels and Linda Safta both of Phoenix, AZ and Pat Kerr of Apple Valley, CA. Two grandchildren: Tyler Jackson and Richard Lidester and a great-grandson Austin Lidester. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Dick and Bill Lidester.
His family will greet guests 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services, 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2013 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate with Pat Manwarring officiating. Burial will follow in Meharry Cemetery will military graveside rites by American Legion Post 72 and Bowman VFW of Crawfordsville. In Lieu of flowers, the family request contributions in Larry's name be made to Meharry Cemetery or Kenneth Bane Park Ball Field in Wingate.