Larry Dean Yape, age 84, of Deerfield passed away on November 26, 2024. He was born September 16, 1940 in Deerfield, Michigan to Lewis and Alma (Fischer) Yape. Larry attended Deerfield High School. He also served in the Army National Guard during the riots in Detroit. Larry married Patricia Ann Tubbs on August 20, 1966 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blissfield, Michigan. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage prior to Patricia’s passing on March 26, 2021.
He worked for General Motors in Toledo as a toolmaker for 38 years, helping train many apprentices along the way, before he retired. While Larry was a full-time toolmaker, he was also a part-time livestock farmer, raising almost any animal you can think of, before settling on sheep. He provided fair lambs for 4H kids for many years.
Larry enjoyed golfing and visiting with people. It was common for him to strike up conversations with strangers. He was also a storyteller amongst his family and friends. In recent years he had become an avid reader, and he always enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school, 4-H and sporting events.
He is survived by his children, Karyn Yape of Deerfield, and James (Jennifer) Yape of Palmyra; his grandchildren Joscelyn Yape and Jillian Yape; his rescue cats Linah and Ellie and his faithful carport cat Jar-Jar.
In addition to his wife Patricia, Larry is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Phillip Yape; brother Harold Yape and sister Mary Madill.
Memorial visitation for Larry will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Memorial services for Larry will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Blissfield, with Pastor Rick Hogan officiating. Visitation will also be taking place from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial of Cremains will follow at Deerfield Cemetery.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Little Mews Rescue, Inc (where he adopted his cats). Envelopes are available at Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.