Larry Douglas Sikes

Larry Douglas Sikes, age 75, of Bellbrook, passed away at home on February 21, 2025. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Gurney and Ruth, and his siblings, Jerry and Linda. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy, daughter Erika, sons Ben and Andrew, grandchildren Joel and Julianna, and great-grandchildren Aaliyah and Roman. 

 Larry was born on May 8th, 1949 in Flint, Michigan and spent his childhood in nearby Mount Morris. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping in the woods near their Bray Road home, he had an interest in music, playing guitar in several rock bands as a teenager. During the summers he would attend vacation bible school where his faith bloomed into a devotion to Christ that continued his whole life. His desire to attend church led him to persuade his parents to begin attending church regularly, eventually leading to their acceptance of Christ into their hearts. 

During his school years, Larry developed an interest in amateur radio and became a licensed HAM operator. After graduating from Mt. Morris High School in 1967, he enrolled at Genesee Junior College to study electronics. After receiving his Associate's Degree, he enrolled at Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Larry then attended graduate school under an Andrew Corporation Fellowship at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his Master's degree. 

Throughout his career there was a central focus on antenna engineering and electromagnetics. He worked at a variety of companies, including Boeing, GTRI, and Ball Aerospace, among others. While employed at Harris Corporation, he earned an MBA from the University of Florida. During the second half of his career, he was employed at Northrop Grumman, where he retired as a program manager in 2019 after 20 years. A large portion of his time at Northrop was spent managing the development of low observable technologies and antenna systems for the Air Force’s B-2 program.

While his faith, career, and family were central to his life his love of dogs was his passion in his leisure time. Larry spent a great deal of time training, grooming, and showing English Setters. He owned six champion dogs, including one grand champion, and was an active member of the English Setter Club of Ohio. 

Throughout his life Larry enjoyed cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. He enjoyed watching football, golf, and the Westminster Dog Show. Always quick with a laugh, he loved joking around while spending time with his family at home. 

At the time of his death, Larry was Elder Emeritus at Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church, where he and Judy had been active members for 20 years. His time at Redeemer, including his service as an elder and his fellowship with the congregants, was deeply meaningful to him.

Visitation will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek. Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 22 S. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek, with Pastor Robert Arendale officiating. Burial will be held privately at Mt. Zion Park Cemetery, Beavercreek, by the family.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Larry's memory to  “The Committee on Foreign Missions” with “Knox School of Theology” or “KST” in the memo line. They can be mailed to: Orthodox Presbyterian Church 607 Easton Rd. Bldg. E Willow Grove, PA 19090.

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