Lawrence Tolle

Lawrence “Larry” Dudley Tolle 80, of Atlanta, passed away on Feb. 15,  2019, at IU Health Methodist, following a brief illness. Larry was born on August 7, 1938 to the late Cecil O. and Mary (Spannuth) Tolle  in Elwood, IN.  Larry married the love of his life, Alice Shown, and they shared 57 years together.

Larry graduated from Elwood High School at the age of 15.  He earned a football scholarship to Purdue University but due to an injury early on, he had to give up his football career.  He found a new love of rowing soon after.  Larry joined the Purdue Rowing Club and once he graduated, he took on the role of a coach at Purdue while he studied for his PhD.  Later, he continued his love by becoming a U.S. rowing judge and referee, a position he held for over 50 years.  He was also a member of the Purdue Glee Club.  Larry graduated from Purdue University with a BS in 1962, a MS in 1964, and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 1966.

Larry enjoyed singing with the Circle City Sound Barber Shop Chorus where he sang a very deep bass.  He also enjoyed gardening and was as a Master Gardener.  Larry had a giving heart;  he volunteered at Agape Riding Center which serves all kinds of  individuals and groups including families with special needs, at-risk children and youth, and seniors.

Those left to carry on Larry’s legacy of love are his wife, Alice (Bobbie) Tolle; children Scott K. Tolle, Kirstin Kaye Pietsch and Doug K. Tolle and his wife Kelly Tolle, and grandchildren Bryce and Brooke Tolle; and his sister Mari Buchman. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Mary Tolle and his daughter Kelly Tolle.

A memorial service celebrating Larry’s life will be Saturday, March  30, 2019 at West Street Christian Church located at 132 N. West Street  in Tipton at 11:00 AM, with Reverend Linda Allen-McKiernan officiating. A visitation will take place from 10:00 - 11:00 AM the  same day.

Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special  memory of Larry with his family on his tribute wall. In lieu of flowers, please submit donations in Larry's memory  to the Purdue Rowing Club or the West Street Christian Church.

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