Larry Ellis Back

Larry Ellis Back, Age 75, of Urbana, Ohio died Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Springfield Regional Medical Center surrounded by family. Larry was born January 7, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio, son of James and Zuda (Hollon) Back. He played the trumpet in the band and graduated from Stebbins High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, and the US Navy Reserve from 1966-1971 as a Sea Bee 3rd Class Petty Officer. He was stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War, and later served in the Army National Guard from 1980 - 1981. Larry was happily employed and was retired from Dayton Power & Light where he served for most of his life. Larry was a lifetime member of the First Dayton Freewill Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities including children's ministries. He was a man of faith, who believed wholeheartedly in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Larry was also a member of the Dayton Masonic Temple where he enjoyed participating with family members Oval Smith and Dale Smith respectfully. He enjoyed playing with his children as they grew up, taking them fishing, building model cars, and visiting vintage car shows.

He is survived by his older brother Otis R. Back of Urbana, Ohio and older sister Wilma (Back) Stallings of Williamsburg, Virginia; daughters Cathy (Back) Andry of Cincinnati, Ohio and Karen (Back) Monaghan of Fairborn, Ohio; sons-in-laws Steven Andry and Paul Monaghan; Grandchildren (Andrys) Olivia, Peyton, Julianna and Alexander; (Monaghans-Dewells) Brayden, Madison and Grace; Great Grandchild Trevor Dewell; many nieces and nephews and their children, his closest friends Paula Back and Argel Hatton, and first wife Lynda (Smith-Back) Mott. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents James Price Back and Zuda Golden (Hollon) Back, as well as his three siblings: Lois Back, Loren J. Back, and Paul D. Back, and previous second wife, Mae Back.

Larry's life will be celebrated at the Dayton National Cemetery, on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 11:00 am, with son-in-law Steven Andry officiating. Everyone will meet at "Assembly Area B" in the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Larry's charity of choice: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org. On behalf of family and friends, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

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