Lawrence R. Scheller

Lawrence R. Scheller, age 80, formerly of Livingston, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025 at his home in Troy, IL, surrounded by family.  

He was born June 7, 1944 in St. Louis, MO, to Lawrence P. & Dorothy L. (Meyer) Scheller.  He was a 1962 graduate of Affton High School.  After beginning his career in metallizing, Larry was drafted by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Post war, he returned to work at St. Louis Metallizing Co.  Larry worked at SLM for 42 years in several capacities including shop supervisor.

He met his soulmate, Gail (Benardin), on The Cross Country Trail Ride in Eminence, Missouri.  Not only did their love for horses blossom, but their love for each other.  Larry & Gail married on November 28, 1968 in Wood River, IL.

Larry lived life to the fullest with Gail through the simple pleasures of maintaining a small farm, providing for his family, gardening, showing horses, fishing, & hunting.  As his kids grew, he taught them farm life.....to ride & show horses, hunt & fish, & also spent time coaching Little League.  In later years, Larry taught his grandkids about life on the farm, horses, & fishing.

He was a long-time member of the American Quarter Horse Association & the National Reining Horse Association, showing horses well into his late 70's.  His passion for his horses was no comparison though to his love for Gail.  They shared 56 wonderful years together.

He is survived by his loving wife Gail;  three children -  Sara (David) Gregory,  Timothy (Julie Sievers) Scheller,  &  Dustin (Sarah Miller) Scheller;  four grandchildren -  Megan & Ethan Gregory,  &  Olivia & Ellie Scheller;  sister & brother-in-law Bettie & Jack Augustine;  brother-in-law Larry Benardin;  cousins, nieces, & nephews also survive.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter -  Allison Ann Scheller;  three sisters-in-law & two brothers-in-law.

Private Funeral Services will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton, IL, with Pastor Josh Pittmann officiating.  Burial will follow at Spangle Cemetery near Livingston, IL.

Memorials are suggested to St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton, IL.

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