Lawrence B. Martin
September 10, 2012
Larry was born on November 1, 1939, in Des Moines, IA., to Aloysius and Anna Catherine Martin. He passed away on September 10, 2012, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA
Larry lived in Des Moines all his life. He attended Dowling Catholic High School. Following high school, he worked for his uncle Bill Needham in his body shop for several years. Larry married Afton Erickson in 1965, and although they later divorced, they remained friends to the end. He managed Mr. Filet Steakhouse for a while in the 60's and then ran Chili King #2. Ultimately Larry went to work at Flynn-Roberts Dairy where he retired after 30 years. While at the dairy Larry was a Union Steward, and in that position he advocated for the working man’s rights.
Larry’s passion was always music. He learned to play organ from his mother and later picked up the bass guitar and didn't set it down. He played with many local bands through the years, most recently the country band, Stuck in Reverse. Larry was a Hall of Fame member of Professional Musicians & Entertainment Club of Iowa.
Larry is survived by his son, Stephen (Linda) Erickson of Des Moines; two grandchildren, Benjamin (Megan) Erickson and Theodore Erickson, four great-grandchildren, Ezra, Trinity, Jorie, and Lillian; and numerous cousins and dear friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Mary Ann Martin.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, September 14, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Professional Musicians & Entertainment Club of Iowa (PMECI).
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Steve Thompson
09/14/2012
Larry and I were coffee buddies at Hy-Vee on E. Euclid... part of the "Coffee Club" gang. We had many lively conversations and enjoyed knowing Larry very much. Larry was a big man, like me, and I always appreciated his "hand me downs" ! We will miss Larry a bunch.
Carolyn Morgan
09/14/2012
Stephen & Linda, It was joy and pleasure to know Larry. I enjoyed our conversations and love hearing his stories about his life he was so candid.He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with and your family at this time and in the future.
joAnn Richardson Meusburger
09/14/2012
Dear Family of Larry, I lived across the street from Larry in the 40's and used to play with his sister Mary Ann, Larry and my brothers were friends. In 1989 I owned a cafe in my home town of Maxwell and larry came up with some other neighbors, the Cook brothers. I had seen Larry last year @ Iowa Heart where I worked. I so remeber his Dad and Mom and Grandma. Such a nice family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Joann Meusburger and Larry Richardson.
Opal Current
09/13/2012
Stephen: I'm a ghost from the past. I never knew you (although I heard many boasts about you as you were growing up). I always felt that your mother was a special friend. I always felt that Larry was a friend as well --- and that he loved you a lot. Once, years ago, when Larry felt his life was falling apart, I gave him a Rosary. I can only hope that our chat that evening -- and that little token, gave him half as much comfort as you gave him in his final days here. Blessings to you Stephen. Love to Afton.
Barb Grask
09/13/2012
Even though I hadn't know Larry for a long time, I very much enjoyed talking and laughing with him when I watched Stuck in Reverse play. My condolences to his family.
Barb
Linda Erickson
09/13/2012
He is in a better place now, where pain and sorrow can't touch him anymore. He was my father-in-law, but I loved him as my Dad. When I am watching football and have a question, I will miss not being able to pick up the phone and call. When I am cooking, I will miss not making extra to send home to him. I will miss him everyday many little ways.
Jerry Anderson
09/13/2012
Larry will be missed, he was very kind patient and helpful to many young artists including my daughter who learned to sing out front of live musicians with Larry's help. Thank you until we meet again my friend.
Christy Whitehead
09/13/2012
Larry, I will miss the great music you played but most of all I will miss the fabulous friendship we aquired over the years which I will treasure in my heart. You will not be forgotten...You're music and friendship will live on through those that you touched...Rest in peace my dear and treasured friend..
Stephen Erickson
09/13/2012
Dear Friends and Family,
As many of you have known I have been helping my Father for the last 90 days to find the end of the journey in this world, on Monday September 10, 2012 he found the end of the road here in this life. Im sure that Dad jumped into a pair of wings and took flight to find old friends and loved ones that he missed so much. While he may have left behind his bass guitar and his fellow band members I know hes playing a gig right now with other guitarist and band members for friends and family that have preceded us in death.
I personally rest assure that someday I will be in his audience again to applaud them and for now I can only serve the many of you that have gave him so many rounds of applause in this world. Please be comforted to know that he did enjoy entertaining you all and treasured those times between sets because he could sit and chat with all of you, he really enjoyed that so much.
Thank you all for being his friend in this world. - Stephen Erickson
Kenny & Margie Smith
09/13/2012
We will miss you Mr. Bass man Larry! You made a big impression on us and we will treasure all the music memories that you played at Marvin & Mom's house. R.I.P my dear friend and continue to play in the heavenly sky above with all the other musician's that are there to.
Dan & Jan Steele
09/12/2012
We will miss the Bass Man, Larry was such a good friend to us after meeting him back a few years ago at a jam at the Eagles when Dan was just getting back into playing! Making music was fun but sharing his friendship was the greatest! Dan will miss calling his friend for a lunch at "Mustards" to catch up on the music scene in Des Moines! Rest in peace Larry and May God Bless you and your family until you all meet again!
Jack and Linda Arndt
09/12/2012
Larry will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him. Someday we will see him and once again hear him play that bass. I'm sure Don Meyer and Fred Trujillo are glad you are there with them.to play music together once again.
Randy Love and Myra Haroldson
09/12/2012
We will miss you dear freind. Thank you for your friendship, mentoring and generosity. We were blessed to have known you and been a part of your life these past several years. I will never forget your words of wisdom and I will always treasure our good times making music together or just talking and laughing. Rest in peace my friend. Love Randy and Myra