Larry Albert Withrow, 79, of Benton Harbor, MI, died on April 20, 2026, leaving behind a trail of stories, and at least a few people who are still a little scared of him. He was born on December 21, 1946, under a table in Braggadocio, Missouri — a start that set the tone for the next eight decades.

For 50 years, Larry was married to the love of his life, Virginia, the only person who could boss him around and he’d actually listen. We should all be so lucky to be loved as much as Larry loved her.

Larry was notorious to some, a legend to others, and unforgettable to everyone who crossed his path. By 12, he was the size of a varsity football player. At 13, he quit school and hitchhiked to Alabama. He eventually made it back to Michigan, married Virginia, and raised three kids who graduated from high school, a few colleges, and — in a point of parental pride — never hitchhiked anywhere. As an adult, the sight of this huge, black‑haired, black‑bearded man in overalls could make a stranger think twice.

Larry started Withrow Excavating (because Virginia told him to) and ran it for over 40 years. He was never happier than when he was sitting on an excavator, "barking orders" while moving dirt. His fatherly advice was usually yelled over machinery: “Pay attention to the guy running the machine — move with it or get back! What are you gonna do, stand there and die?”

He was gruff, bossy, and determined to make you see things his way. His temper was loud, but his kindness was quiet. He and Virginia sorted out more people than anyone can count. If someone was down on their luck, she would feed them, set them straight, and send them to the shop with instructions to tell Larry that she said to put them to work. And he always did. So many people got their second chance because of that simple system the two of them ran with absolute conviction.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Maudie Withrow; his sister Audrei Cummins, and brothers Don and Harrell Withrow. He is survived by his children, Carole Withrow, John (Karri) Withrow, and Susan (David) Matheny; grandchildren Hannah Olson and Bella Clark; great‑grandchildren Cecil VanAntwerp, Caden Olson, and Luna Olson; and brothers Phil and Steve Withrow.

Rough edges? Absolutely. But just past those edges was a good man — one who loved his family, protected his own, and helped more people than anyone will ever know.

Memorial donations may be made to the Withrow Family Fund at the Berrien Community Foundation.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on May 30 at Chief’s Bar and Grill from 1–4pm, where people are invited to share a meal and bring the stories — the wild ones, the tender ones, and the ones that can only be told off the record — to honor the man, the myth, the legend, Larry Withrow.