C. Lawrence "Larry" Grist

C. Lawrence "Larry" Grist, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Born January 18, 1931 in Lowellville, Ohio; he was the son of Francis M. and Minnie P. (Theil) Grist. Larry graduated from Lowellville High School in 1949, and went on to attend Kent State University where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. While at KSU, he played basketball for the Golden Flashes for four years, lettering each year and serving as the Team Captain during his senior year. It was at Kent State that he met the love of his life, Beryl Miller, whom he married on June 12, 1954. After graduation, Larry served in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and served in the paratrooper corps. After leaving the service, he returned to Mahoning County, Ohio, where he earned a Masters degree in Educational Administration from KSU. He served as a school principal in Greenford and Austintown. He became Superintendent of Schools for the Western Reserve School District, where he served until his retirement in 1990, having worked in Education for 38 years. He was a member of the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, and former member of Austintown Kiwanis and the Berlin-Ellsworth Ruritan Club. Larry and Beryl spent their free time visiting family members and friends around the country, "snowbirding" in Siesta Key, Florida, and spent many wonderful years at their home in Austintown. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Beryl (Miller) Grist; daughter Susan and husband Bill Baum of Lawrenceville, Georgia, sons: Larry Jr. and wife Susan (Vidman) of Leesburg, Virginia; Matthew and wife Stephanie (Schmid) of Mansfield, Ohio; and David and wife Casey (Cassada) of Suwanee, Georgia; one sister, Mary Lou Splitter of Prescott, Arizona and a brother, Sam Grist (Patricia) of Poland, Ohio. He was extremely proud of his nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy and pride. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and role model, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Friends will be received on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 4-7PM at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held in his honor at the Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Rd., Canfield, on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11:00AM with Pastor Russ Adams officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.