Larry was a trained vocal soloist with a rich voice and was a gifted choir director. He worked for three state agencies in the 1970's for the State of Arkansas. In the 1980's and early 1990's, he spent a total of seventeen years preaching. He spent time on radio from the late 1990's until 2005 including Kansas City, KS and Warren, AR.
He was a Lay Minister for the Presbyterian Church USA, then was a commissioned Lay Preacher, where he was a licensed minister with ordination papers through Victory New Testament Fellowship out of the Mesquite, TX area just outside of Dallas. Larry served three pastorates for the Presbyterian Church: Mt. Zion Drew/Lincoln, Strong, AR at Ebenezer and Star City, AR Presbyterian Church.
Larry performed janitor work in the evenings for thirty plus years at federal and state offices. His famous "Girl Friday," his dear wife, Beverly, faithfully helped and encouraged him. He also had an incredible love for dogs. He could communicate with them and they understood each other. He said he learned more from dogs than from humans. God gave and led to him many magnificent ones.
Larry was particularly grateful for the help, love and loyalty received from his Godly step-mother, Johanna Runge Lobitz; from his parents, Martin and Wilhelmina whom he both lost at an early age. He was also particularly thankful to his wife, Beverly, who so faithfully and loyally stood with him throughout his pilgrimage. He also had a special bond with his dear son, Brice whom he loved dearly and was such an inspiration to him. And lastly, his love for all his "splendid" troop of doggies who were so faithful and loyal to him in giving him their very best as they walked with Beverly and him for so many years across the street from their home.
A special mention and thank you to Dr. Wendell, DC and Dr. Mark Bryant, DC who faithfully and loyally did their very best to keep him on his feet, despite the severe problems he had with his spine. Larry wanted people to know that "God IS the God of the Fatherless!"
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Sprecker Lobitz of Monticello; one son, Brice Lobitz and wife, Becky of New Orleans, LA; one sister, Janice Radtke and husband, Robert of Carbondale, IL; and two grandchildren, Colton and Tyler Lobitz of New Orleans, LA.
Condolences(30)
Leslie Pomeroy New
Clarksville, TN Friday, October 26, 2012 Dear Beverly,Just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. I remember you (who sang at my wedding!) and Larry so well from First Presbyterian. Your voices and musical talents were the highlight of the Sunday morning services for me. (But please don't tell Dr. Hicks!) You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Zack
Mountain Home, AR Thursday, October 18, 2012 Beverly sorry to hear of Larry's passing. You are in my prayers. Larry was an awesome friend and man of God. Larry always gave me tremedeous encouragement over the years. He will be missed greatly.Ashley Price
Monticello, AR Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Mrs. Lobitz and Brice, I'm so sorry for your loss. I do want to say that you all are such dear and sweet people. I remember and Mr. and Mrs. Lobitz being so very kind to my grandmother, Helen Price. My prayers are with you. His life was a blessing to so many. God bless you.Walter Blood
Kansas City, KS Tuesday, October 2, 2012 May God's peace be with you and strengthen you.Linda (O'Donnell) Porter
Okla City, OK Monday, September 24, 2012 I knew Larry in the 1950's. I feel I am a Christian today because of his influence. He was a good friend. God bless his family.Tim Emert
Indpendence, KS Sunday, September 23, 2012 To Larry's family: I was fortunate to have gone to high school with Larry. He was from the begining a caring, thoughtful, talented young man. Although we lost contact several years ago I am saddened by his death. I will relay this information to our fellow classmates. May God continue to bless his family.]
Melanie (Morrison) Arthur
The Woodlands, TX Sunday, September 23, 2012 Mrs. Lobitz, I was so sorry to hear the news of Mr. Lobitz' passing. I will hold your family in my heart and lift you up in prayer. My deepest sympathies and warmest regards.Melanie (Morrison) Arthur
your former piano student
Betty & Nasser Shirakbari
Bella Vista, AR Saturday, September 22, 2012 Beverly, we were so saddened to hear of Larry passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Brice. He was such a gentle soul.Linda & Philip Cathey
Banks, AR Saturday, September 22, 2012 Mrs. Beverly so sorry for your loss. My thoughts a prayers will be with you.Marjorie Greene
Malvern, AR Saturday, September 22, 2012 It is so sad to hear of the loss of my friend Larry. It was a surprise to me when I saw his notice in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, but I know he is in the hands of the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends at this time as we let go of him. He will remain fondly in memories. God bless those of us who remain behind.With Love, Marge Greene
Kim Ewell Ray
Monticello, AR Friday, September 21, 2012 My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.Shelby Williams
Little Rock, AR Friday, September 21, 2012 I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Lobitz. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.Sarah
Douglas, WY Thursday, September 20, 2012 how sorry I am to hear about this!!! My thought are with and I am hugging you with my prayers! What a reuional he is having in heaven now!!! Love you! Sarah DoneganBobby & Gayle Brown
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 20, 2012 As you know mere words are never enough at times like these. But please know that we are praying for you and I am confident that the Lord is going to gather you close in His loving arms in the coming days and comfort you as only He can. May you rest in the knowledge that you will one day be reunited with Larry in God’s Glorious New Heaven.Bobby & Gayle Brown
Sherry White
Warren, AR Thursday, September 20, 2012 BeverlyWas very sorry at Larry's passing. He will be missed & remembered by many. Both of you were an encouragement to me when I worked for USDA.
Janice and Fred Taylor
Little Rock, AR Thursday, September 20, 2012 We are thinking of you and your family. What a void there will be in your family and in the life of the community. We will always remember his lovely voice as well as his kindness.Janice and Fred Taylor
Beverly Knight Sullivan
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Ms. Beverly, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.kaylon & jimmy taylor
hermitage, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 MRS.Lobitz and family.We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We liked Mr. Larry a lot. I remember taking his tapes to the radio station. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a very special person to us. If u need anything please let us know.
Lowell Lynde
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Beverly, I was sorry to hear about Larry's death. May the memories of all that you shared during your life together comfort and strengthen you May God bless you and your family.David & Annette Rushing
White Hall,, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Mrs. Lobitz,Our hearts were saddened about your great loss of your dearly beloved husband. He was such a fine man and a blessing to us. He was always so kind and friendly. We extend our deepest sympathy to each of your family members. May God grant grace sufficient in the days ahead for this difficult time in your life! We love you and will be praying for you! We will be out of town on Saturday and cannot attend the services, but will certainly pray for God's grace. Your loving friends, David and Annette Rushing
Janice G McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 How sad to read about Larry's death. He was a remarkably talented and gifted man in his ministry, music and an inspiration to all. Beverly, I know you were his true love along with his dear son Brice and his many dogs whom he loved. Larry will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you all at this sad time. Brice, I know your grief as I lost my own dad many years ago and no one can fill the void. What a blessing to know Larry is now with God, pain free and singing to His glory in heaven. May God surround you with his comfort and love to give you peace. With love and sympathy, Janice (Gladden) McAllisterLydia Lowery
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lydia and Jesse LoweryPaige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Mrs. Lobitz, Brice, and family -I know this has been a tremendous shock to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days ahead.
Love, John, Paige (Hill), Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, and Jared Stell
Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 19, 2012 So sorry to hear about Mr. Lobitz. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Karen Key Willis
Bastrop, LA Wednesday, September 19, 2012 I was truly shocked to hear of the passing of Mr. Lobitz. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Lobitz, who taught me so much more than just voice. She always encouraged me, telling me that I could do anything for as long as the unpleasant thing would last. Mrs. Lobitz, lean on the scripture found in Phil 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."James & Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, September 18, 2012 We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family.Sheila Gardner
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Mrs. Lobitz,I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for comfort and peace only God can provide.
Mary Burgess
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 18, 2012 So sorry for your loss . You are a special lady.Tarah Tubbs
Hamburg, AR Tuesday, September 18, 2012 We are all thinking of you during this time. I love you.kworbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Larry Lobitz is a former co-worker of mine. I met him in the early 70's. He was a fine person -- surely a gentleman. My sincere condolences go to Beverly, Brice and family. We no longer saw each other often, but when I did meet up with him in the gro. store, Wal-Mart, etc, it was always a joy.