Loring “Larry” B Sands

Loring B. “Larry” Sands went to sleep and awoke in the arms of Jesus on Friday, January 28, 2022 in his home.  Services will be on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Kruger-Coan-Pape Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.  Pastor Rod Godley of Vermilion Heights Christian Church will officiate, with entombment at Springhill Cemetery Mausoleum.

Larry was born on August 3, 1934 in North Carolina.  He was later adopted by his beloved parents Benjamin F. Sands, Sr. and Sally Burns Sands of North Reading, Massachusetts.  He married Sara A. “Sally” Strain on July 30, 1955; she preceded him in death.  Also surviving are a son, John B. (Kelly) Sands of Danville; a daughter Lori A. (Tracy) Enos of Danville; grandchildren Kyle Sands of Peoria; Jenna (Joshua) Johnson of Bloomington; Amy (Phil) Lacy of Oakwood; Nick Bott (Lindsey Stewart) of Covington, IN; great grandchildren Eli Sands, Elizabeth and Catherine Lacy, and Thorin Bott.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, a beloved brother Benjamin F. Sands, Jr., a son, Stephen A. Sands, and a granddaughter Kyra Sands.

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air force where he served at Chanute Air Force Base; Rantoul IL.  While there he met the love of his life, Sally, at a USO dance on base, and after discharge they were married.  Larry had a long career as a newspaper printer, typesetter and composer at Interstate Printers and Publishers, The Champaign-Urbana Courier, the Commercial-News, and finally and for the bulk of his career at the Champaign News-Gazette.

Larry was a member for many years of the Vermilion Heights Christian Church where he served in several areas.  Most recently he attended Life Church.

Larry loved life, loved his family, and enjoyed playing all kinds of games and other activities with his children, and grandchildren.  He had a reputation for being the “oldest biggest kid” in the family and thoroughly enjoyed making games go his way, which also carried into the games he played with his adult children and some friends.  

Larry thoroughly enjoyed recalling his childhood to family members particularly involving his brother Ben whom he looked up to and loved dearly.  Even late in life his recall was remarkable and always filled with joy.   His quick wit, generous spirit, and loving care for all will indeed be missed.

Messages and memories may be left on www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page.

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