Obituary: Larry V. Gonyer

Larry V. Gonyer (1935 – 2018)

Age 82, died unexpectedly Friday, May 4, 2018 at his home. He was born September 9, 1935 in Erie Township, Monroe, Michigan, the son of Raphael “Ray” & Mary Louise (Browne) Gonyer.

Larry graduated from Manchester High School in 1954. He joined the Marines in 1954-1956. Larry worked for the Ford dealership in Manchester for 35 years and managed their body shop. He enjoyed working on cars during his retirement, including a 1957 Ford Retractable and 1968 Mustang. Larry was a member of the International Ford Retractable Club Michigan/Ontario Chapter. He also liked woodworking and enjoyed auctions and antiquing.

On June 14, 1958, he married Elizabeth Annie Oates in Manchester, and she survives. Other survivors include four children, Lynn Gonyer of Manchester, Mark D. (Brenda) Gonyer of Kalamazoo, Lori (Daniel) Capal of North Platte, Nebraska, Robb (Amy) Gonyer of Davenport, Iowa; 1 brother, Conrad Gonyer; 1 sister, Delores (Jim) Bauer; 9 grandchildren, Stephen, Jeffrey, and Megan Capal; Sarah, Rebekah, Matthew, Andrew, Josiah, and Joshua Gonyer; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Gonyer; sister, Barbra Frey; and Uncle, Conrad Browne.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, May 8, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, Michigan with Rev. Ron Clark officiating. Private burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, in Manchester. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 8, from 9 am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Manchester Public Schools.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.