Larry O’neil Shell was born on May 22, 1945 in north east Indiana to Jacob and Nellie Shell. He was the first-born son, followed by his brothers, Jerry and Jackie, then several years later, his baby sister, Shawnee.
He loved to play the card game Euchre and playing baseball with his many cousins. He and his brother Jerry could be found many an afternoon outside playing cowboys and Indians.
Larry graduated from high school in St. Ignace, Michigan. The family returned to Indiana not long after he graduated high school. Larry also earned his associate degree in accounting. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard for six years and worked at International Harvester in Indiana for several years. He was later relocated to Katy, Texas to work for B J Hughes.
During his years in Texas, he became a very respected handyman. He could fix, build or make almost anything. He also became a master of making the perfect Texas brisket! He enjoyed playing darts and joined a league or two. At some point, while living in Texas, he worked making cowboy hats. That must have been a dream job for him as he always liked cowboys.
In the early 90’s, Larry moved to Arizona to be closer to his family. He brought with him his handy man skills, and of course, introduced Arizona to his perfect Texas brisket recipe. He was famous for slow smoking brisket to perfection among all his family and friends.
Larry worked for TRW in Queen Creek for several years before retiring. While in Arizona, he met and married Cheryle Paradee, (she survives). Larry and Cheryle built a happy life together with lots of laughter, joking around and a strong bond of love surrounded by his small family, and her large family. Many, many, many hours were spent around his family table playing Uno or Mexican Train Dominoes…oh what fun that was!
Larry leaves behind his wife of 15 years, Cheryle, his sister Shawnee (Mel), brother in law, Terry, sisters in law Rhonda (Mike), Theresa (Donnie) and Glenda (Sam). He also leaves his daughters, Lori (Andy), Kimberly (Stephen) and Makayla. Stepdaughters, Trisha and Keri. He had 5 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Larry also leaves behind his fur babies, Rowdy and Lulu, his faithful comfort during his battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Nellie, his brother Jackie (in infancy) and Jerry.
Larry’s goofy faces, quick smile, contagious laughter and loving heart will be missed by all, but never forgotten.
A memorial service for Larry will be on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 1p.m., at the Without Walls Church. The family asks that you join them for a light meal after the services and help them celebrate Larry’s life. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley in lieu of flowers.