Larry Peter DeBoer, Sr.

Larry Peter DeBoer, Sr. 93, of Indian Springs Village, Alabama, passed away peacefully and beautifully on June 23rd, 2024 with his family by his side.
Larry was born on January 31st, 1931 to Jean Ritzema DeBoer and Peter DeBoer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After Larry graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1949, he went on to study pre-engineering at Calvin College for two years and transferred to the University of Michigan majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he started his first job at Abex Corporation as a Metallurgical Engineer in New York City kickstarting a lifetime career in the steel industry. Early in his career, he spent a lot of time at the steel plant in Calera, Alabama where they made railroad wheels. Larry was the General Superintendent at Abex Corporation’s Calera plant and later became the Director of Process Technology International for Abex. He travelled the world sharing his expertise in many places, among them Portugal, South Africa, France, Brazil and China.
In 1958, while working in Alabama, he met and married the love of his life, Sue Lucas DeBoer. Their honeymoon was spent with Larry moving Sue to the big city of New York. They resided in a small attic apartment in Flushing, NY. Larry and Sue went on to have four children, Tammy Jean, Larry Peter, Sue Ann, and James Joppe.
Larry and Sue bought their first home in Midland Park, New Jersey and nine years later in 1969 they moved to Indian Springs, Alabama where they purchased the home they loved and lived in for the rest of their lives. A home that welcomed family and friends with open arms.
Larry lived life with his priorities in the right order; God, family, work hard and play harder.
Larry was a life-long follower of Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 1969 where he served in various roles.
He loved his family well. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. His favorite place was home with his family. Larry exemplified unconditional love and godly wisdom. He was the rock of his family. He often said that he was a rich man, but not so much with material things, but rich with a loving family and friends.
Larry enjoyed playing. He enjoyed snow skiing, playing golf with his boys and friends, sailing his Hobie Cat, and exploring new places, especially in his motorhome with Sue.
Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years Sue Lucas DeBoer, His special daughter, Sue Ann, his parents, Jean Ritzema DeBoer and Peter DeBoer, his siblings Don DeBoer, Leona DeBoer Day and David DeBoer.
He is survived by his children; Tammy DeBoer Rowe Luker (Roger), Larry Peter DeBoer, Jr. (Carol), James Joppe DeBoer (Debi). His grandchildren; Rebecca Byrd (James), Coston Rowe (Janie), Stephen Peter Rowe (Addison), Dylan DeBoer (Alicia), Charley Rowe (Mary Evelyn), Lindi DeBoer, Lani DeBoer, Joppe DeBoer and Kate DeBoer. His great-grandchildren; Henry Rowe, Ruby Rowe, Winnie Rowe, Frankie Sue Byrd, Katherine Byrd and Mercer Rowe. His sister; Alice DeBoer. His nephews and nieces; Wendy Walker Beech (Chuck), Dan Day (Lois), Tom Day (Debbie), Jim Day (Joanne), David DeBoer (Janet), Deanna DeBoer Elkins (Ronald), Darrin DeBoer (Cindy). And many beloved great nieces and nephews and many good friends.
A memorial service will be held at: New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 5521 Double Oak Lane, Birmingham, AL 35242 on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. Family will receive visitors at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s memory can be made to First Priority of Alabama at give.firstpriorityal.com.
So sad to hear of Larry’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories with your family through special Olympics over many years. Our prayers are with you all. Don, Betty & Rusty Montgomery
He was such a sweet and kind man. Always welcomed you with a genuine smile and a warm hug. He will be missed. Much love and many prayers for the family.
Larry and Sue have left such a beautiful legacy with this family. What a wonderful tribute to a lifelong man of God. He will be truly missed! ❣️
Praying for you and your family. He was a great man. He will be missed