Lawrence E. "Larry" Hershberger of LaOtto, Indiana July 13, 1937 - December 7, 2016 Lawrence E. "Larry" Hershberger age 79 of LaOtto, IN died Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Miller's Merry Manor - Garrett, IN. Larry was born July 13, 1937 in Fort Wayne, IN to Merritt K Hershberger S. and Virginia B. (Bass) Hershberger and they preceded him in death. He married Dolores "Dody" Beltz on April 26, 1958 in LaOtto, IN. Larry was a semi-truck driver for International Harvester for 23 years and Teamsters Local #414 for 13 years before retiring. He dedicated his life to the LaOtto Volunteer Fire Department for 52 years, being Fire Chief for 10 years and holding many different positions throughout the years. He also served as the chief for the Avilla Fire Department for a 1 year period. He was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in LaOtto, IN. and he was very proud of the LaOtto community. Larry is survived by his wife: Dolores "Dody" Hershberger, LaOtto, IN; a daughter: Kim (Tim) Diehm, Avilla, IN; a son: Troy (Lisa) Hershberger, Warsaw, IN; grandchildren: Brandon Diehm, Avilla, IN; Brittney (Trevor Lortie) Diehm, Avilla, IN; Chelsea Hershberger, Cameron Hershberger and Connor Hershberger, Warsaw, IN and a great grandson: Fuel William Lortie, Avilla, IN. He is also survived by his brother: Kenneth Hershberger, Ft. Wayne, IN and 2 sisters: Carol Thurber, Punta Gorda, FL and Shirley Daring, Ft. Wayne, IN.He is also survived by his longtime dog companion: Snooks. Larry was preceded in death by his parents: Merritt K. and Virginia Hershberger Sr.; 4 brothers: Walter Hershberger, James Hershberger, Donald Hershberger and Merritt K. Hershberger Jr. and a step sister: Emmy Reber. A gathering of Friends and Family will take place from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Thomas Funeral Home, 1277 C.R. 56, Garrett, IN A memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Thomas Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Wilcoxson officiating. Memorials are to the LaOtto Volunteer Fire Department, Emmanuel Lutheran Church - LaOtto, IN, Cancer Services of Allen County or to Pulmonary Fibrosis Research. You may send a condolence or sign the on-line register book by visiting: www.thomasfuneralhome.org A memorial tribute video of Larry's life will be available to watch on the website after Friday night.