Larry Middleton of Comstock, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sepember 30th, 2026. His final day

spent surrounded by his friends, his nieces and their children, on the phone with cousins sharing their love

with him, and the unfailing presence of a beloved baby sister who never left his side and never let go of

his hand.

Born on January 21, 1954, in Manila, Arkansas to Betty (Boone) and John Middleton, Larry grew up with a

stubborn streak, a heart of gold, and a quick wit. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine

Corps Veteran, carrying that Semper Fi spirit, discipline, and absolute loyalty with him throughout his

entire life. Moving to Michigan, he became a roofer and carpenter well known in the Kalamazoo area,

leaving a physical mark on the community through his hard work and skilled hands—and likely leaving

behind a few tools he always seemed to lose.

As a brother, Larry was a lifelong anchor to his siblings, Johnie, Sonya and David. He was the keeper of

childhood secrets, the co-author of family mischief, and the kind of brother who showed up exactly when

he was needed most. He wrapped his fierce devotion in a blanket of loyalty never letting anyone in his

family go into a fight alone ensuring there was never a dull moment when the Middleton siblings were

together.

To his nieces, Alicia (Seth) Stamm, Linsay Trumps, and Kayla (Brady Buell) Middleton, "Uncle Larry" was a

legendary figure. He was the master of side eye, the bearer of his family’s history and stories, and the

uncle who happily filled their pockets with all of his spare change. Beneath the playful teasing, he had an

extraordinary gift for making each of them feel uniquely cherished, protected, and deeply loved.

That magical presence extended beautifully to his great-nieces and great-nephews: Leah Stamm, Brady

Buell Jr, Carson Stamm, Annebelle Stamm, Sadie Paulsen, Avery Paulsen, Ashlyn Buell, Susannah Stamm,

and Lucas Paulsen. Uncle Larry was their biggest fan, their proudest advocate, and the guy who

encouraged their worst habits.

Larry lived life entirely on his own terms. He never met a stranger he couldn’t strike up a twenty-minute

conversation with, but that being said if Larry Middleton didn’t like you then he just didnt like you.

And probably never would. But he’d let you know that’s for sure.

Larry leaves behind many, many friends who brought him tremendous joy and help ove the years. The

family is incredibly grateful for their presence in Uncle Larry’s life, their love of him and support during this

difficult time will never be forgotten.

He was welcomed into eternal peace by those who went before him: his parents, Betty and John

Middleton; his Brother Johnie Middleton and Sister Mary; his maternal grandparents, Daisy (Smith) and

William Boone; and his paternal grandparents, Annebelle (Houston) and John Riley Middleton, who are

undoubtedly waiting for him with open arms and a huge pot of beans and cornbread.

A celebration of Larry’s life—filled with shared memories, military honors, plenty of laughter, and a few

tears—will be held at a later date. Disbursement of ashes will take place in Osceola, Arkansas with his

parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an unexpected act of kindness, raise a glass, or spark

up a joint in Larry’s honor, just as he would have wanted.