Larry Paul Stuart passed away peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the age of 91, while surrounded by his loving family.   Larry was born on May 11, 1931, and was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa (Jousma) and Harold Stuart; stepmother, Maxine Stuart; siblings, Glenn, and Tom Stuart.  He will be remembered by his wife, Violet “Vi” Stuart; siblings, Jan Vanderwerp, and Craig Stuart; son, Terry and Michelle Stuart; daughter, Nicolle Stuart; brother-in-law, Dave Stuart; sister-in-law, Joni Stuart; stepchildren; Steve and Esther DeSmit, and Tracy DeSmit; grandchildren, Truman, Garrett and Meredith Stuart, Jackson and Parker Schwartz, and Brock (Kelly) DeSmit; and great-grandchild, Hazel DeSmit; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  After graduating from Union High School, Larry served his country in the United States Army at Fort Bliss, Texas. After an honorable discharge, Larry completed one year of college at Western Michigan University before returning home to help his father with the family business.  It was no secret how much he loved his family and the lengths he would go to in order to be there for those who needed him. Larry had a charismatic personality, contagious smile, and a zest for life that let him converse with many people over the years, which aligned nicely with much of his career spent in sales.   Larry had a passion for basketball and spent over thirty years of his life refereeing high school, college, and professional basketball. Over the years, Larry enjoyed coaching and attending his children’s sporting events, vacationing in northern Michigan, watching U of M football, being a sounding board for family, and of course his golf game. Larry was so loved and will be greatly missed, but we take solace in knowing his pain is gone, and he is at peace. With respect to Larry’s wishes, a private graveside interment, with military honors, will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family will also host a celebration of life gathering in the spring of 2023. To send a message to the family, sign Larry’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.stroofuneralhome.com, or mlive.com/obituaries.