Larry Christy-Zeigler, IL

Larry Dee Christy, 76, of Zeigler, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with his family by his side.

Larry was born on March 31, 1949, in Christopher, Illinois, to Howard W. Christy Jr. and Dorothy Virginia (Payne) Christy. He was the third of their children and grew up in Zeigler. Larry graduated from Zeigler-Royalton High School in 1967 and went on to earn an associate degree in Aviation Technology from Southern Illinois University. There, he became certified as an FAA A&P mechanic and earned his pilot’s license.

On May 10, 1968, Larry married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Linda Kay (Glenski) Christy of Royalton, Illinois. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He enlisted in September 1972 and completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, followed by Aircraft Mechanic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Throughout his military career, Larry was stationed at Forbes AFB (Kansas), Little Rock AFB (Arkansas), Lowry AFB (Colorado), RAF Lakenheath/Feltwell (England), and Griffiss AFB (New York).

In December 1974, Larry was deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Base in Thailand, where he supported air rescue and recovery missions and refueling operations for HH-53 helicopters. His service placed him in the final battle of the Vietnam War during the Mayaguez incident at Koh Tang Island.

During his time in the Air Force, Larry continued his education, earning certifications through the Community College of the Air Force in Aircraft Systems Technology and Electronic Systems Technology. He graduated from both the NCO Leadership School and the NCO Academy. From 1976 to 1981, he taught metrology at Lowry AFB, instructing members of all U.S. military branches as well as students from 26 different nations in the science of precision measurement.

Larry’s final assignment was at Griffiss AFB, New York, with the Strategic Air Command, where he successfully restored a tactical Precision Metrology mobile laboratory following its return from the Iraq War. He retired as a Master Sergeant on October 1, 1992.

After retiring from the Air Force, Larry returned home to Zeigler and continued his service to his community as Finance Officer and Adjutant for American Legion Post #177. He also founded Concept Engineering later known as Concepte of Illinois, Inc.-which continues today under the leadership of his son, Erick. This business was built on his belief to provide the best service possible with integrity & pride.

Larry was a member of American Legion Post #177, the Minnesota National Fishing Museum, and the National Fish Decoy Association. He was also the creator of DECOYPEDIA.com, a widely recognized reference resource for fish decoy carvers.

He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed traveling across the United States, photography, and sharing his experiences with others. Larry was known for his willingness to help others and his desire to make a positive difference in their lives. Above all, he deeply loved his family. His great-grandchildren, Kiersten and Kaiden, were truly the center of his world and brought him endless pride and happiness

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Linda Kay Christy; daughter, Lorri Dee (Wayne) Williford of Benton; son, Erick Shawn (Tanya) Christy of Orient; grandchildren, Alyxandria (Michael) Good of Thompsonville, Samantha Williford of Benton, and Heather (Tim) Rich of Marion; great-grandchildren, Kiersten Good and Kaiden Good; brother, Jan (Connie) Christy of Carterville; sister, Susan Summers of Sheller; several nieces and nephews; his close friend, Dan Cutter of Benton; and his beloved great-granddog, Howdy Marie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Howard Christy III and Carl Crocker; his father-in-law, Stanley Glenski; mother-in-law, June Glenski; and brother-in-law, Mike Summers.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeiger with Pastor Don Wright officiating. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Royalton. Military honors will be accorded by the Orient American Legion Post 1961 and members of the United States Air Force military honors detail team.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Orient Legion Post #1961. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home of Zeigler is entrusted with the arrangements.