Larry J. Shelby, of 1121 Neil Avenue in St. Marys, OH died on Wed., June 3, 2009 at 8;45 pm at his residence following a reoccurrence of cancer since December, 2008. 

He was born July 2, 1942 in Celina, OH to Leland “Bill” and Marjorie (Wright) Shelby. 

Larry and the former Ronda Grimm were united in marriage on August 6, 1960 in St. Marys at the St. Paul’s UCC and she survives. 

Also surviving are:  son, Steve (Martha) Shelby of Hamilton,OH

                                  daughter, Sue (Doug) Sandkuhl of Hilliard, OH

                                  son, Dr. Scott (Shari) Shelby of Cincinnati, OH

                                  son, Dr. Sky (Tami) Shelby of Mason. OH

                                  11 grandchildren

                                  mother, Marjorie Shelby of St. Marys, OH

                                  twin brother, Jerry (Rita) Shelby of Salisbury, NC

                                  brother, Lynn (Brenda) Shelby of Rosebury, OR

                                  brother, Bill (Barbara) Shelby of Sunbury, OH

                                 sister-in-law, Janet (Edward) Ross of Sidney, OH

                                 sister-in-law, Audrey (Larry) Borden of Celina, OH

                                 brother-in-law, Jim (Doris) Grimm of Palm Bay, Fla. 

He was preceded in death by his father 

He was a 1960 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School. 

Larry began his working career at the former Weston Paper Mill in St. Marys.  Later he entered the financial field.  He retired as a banker, having served in managerial positions for several local financial institutions, including the Union Savings and Loan Co., Central Savings Corp., Bank One and Diamond Savings and Loan. 

A true friend to St. Marys, he played an extremely active and interested role in the community.  His memberships and involvement included, but were not limited to the following area organizations: St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, co-founder of the St. Marys Community Foundation, St. Marys Board of Education, Apollo JVS Board of Education, Auglaize Co. Council on Aging board of directors and multiple church committees. 

An avid and strong supporter of area youth sports programs, he served as a coach for the St. Marys Little League, girl’s softball, elementary youth basketball, St. Marys Swim Team and was a co-founder of the Colts midget football team. 

An enthusiastic bicyclist, he was instrumental in the establishment of several bikeways, including the Ohio 703 bike path and the Ohio 364 connector.  He also organized, directed and raced in the St. Marys bike race for 13 years. 

Larry was proud member of the National Rifle Assoc. and served as a shooting instructor for the St. Marys Rifle Club.  An expert marksman himself, he was named the Ohio State Prone Shooting Champion in three different decades. 

He designed and oversaw the construction of the nationally recognized handicapped accessible facilities for workers and customers at the Diamond Savings and Loan Office on Royal Oak Drive in St. Marys. 

Larry’s tireless efforts have been formally recognized at both the national and local level with the reception of two prestigious awards: the George H. W. Bush “Points of Light” award and the Builder of Bridges” award for the city of St. Marys. 

He was also a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Western Ohio Fish & Game club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #767 all in St. Marys.  Also, he was a member of the Sabres Rifle club in Lima. 

A dedicated father and loving grandfather, Larry was a supportive family man who enjoyed following their many varied activities. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the Wayne St. United Methodist Church 130 N. Wayne St., St. Marys, OH with the Rev. James Nuhfer officiating.  

Visitation will be at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, St. Marys, OH. from 2 to 7 pm on Saturday, June 6, 2009. 

Memorial contributions are to be directed to the St. Marys Community Foundation. 

Family condolences may be sent to the Shelby’s via www. millerfuneralhomes.net