Larry Oliver Shobe

Larry Oliver Shobe, age 77, of Charleston, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:39 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Copper Creek Cottages in Mattoon, IL.  He was born October 18, 1945 in Fort Dix, NJ, the son of Leland Ralph Shobe and Myrta Belle (Jones) Shobe. 

Survivors include his brothers, Gary Shobe of Greenup, IL, Leland Ralph Shobe, Jr. of Casey, IL, and Loren Shobe (Sharon) of Toledo, IL; nieces, Stacy James of Greenup, IL, Jeri Shobe of CA, Shanna Runge (Mark) of FL, and Amanda Zucco of Greenup, IL; nephew, Lee Shobe (Michelle) of Toledo, IL; and several great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Damon Zucco. 

Larry was a 1963 graduate of Cumberland High School.  He continued his education at Eastern Illinois University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history.  He taught history at Dieterich High School for one year before enlisting in the US Army. He was a Vietnam veteran and proudly served his country from 1968-1971.  Larry worked at Trailmobile in Charleston, IL for 13 years.  He retired on May 30, 2014 from Eastern Illinois University as a groundskeeper.  He attended Clear Creek Separate Baptist Church in rural Greenup, IL.  Larry was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society in London, England; his local memberships include EIU Alumni Association and the Charleston VFW Post # 1592.  He enjoyed gardening and helped establish the Wesley Whiteside Garden.  Larry was an EIU botany expert and enjoyed providing tours of the beautiful gardens he cared for on the EIU campus.  He continued his passion for gardening by making his yard on English garden.  He was a master gardener on an EIU TV program.  He also enjoyed traveling to London and loved ALL things British. 

A service honoring Larry’s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Pastor Zandra Anderson officiating.  Burial will follow in the Bell Cemetery, rural Greenup, IL.  Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Charleston VFW.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL. 

Memorial donations may be made to Charleston VFW Post #1592, 1821 20th St., Charleston, IL 61920 or Douglas Nature Center, 2204 DeWitt Avenue East, Mattoon, IL 61938. 

To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.  Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL is in charge of the arrangements. 

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