I thought of you today old friend and googled your name and found this tribute page.  I 
was remembering what a funny, witty, creative designer, amazing sewer, and friend you were.  I know we lost touch in 1994 or so but I always think of you  when project runway is on because I know you could have won that show for sure!  You were an amazing designer with excellent taste.  Thank you for doing such great alterations on my dress and for being a great fun person to work with at the bridal shop when we were both there.  I will never forget when you put a wig on me and took me clubbing and we danced all night.  good memories.

I met Ward in college, and we became roommates.  We remained close ever since.  I have so many fond memories I cannot even begin.  Ward was very special to me, one of my best friends.  He always made me laugh, and never failed to help me keep life in perspective.  I hold him close in my heart and will miss him dearly.  See you again one day.  

Ward was a wonderful neighbor --- friendly, helpful, and full of life.  I'm grateful to have known him.  And I'm grateful for the chance I got, through Ward, to know Vernice and Bob and Penny.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sheri and family-  I just wanted to express my sincere sympathy to you all for your great loss.  I didn't know Larry well but obviously he was a very special and deeply admired man whom will be sadly missed.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.



I remember when I taught Larry and Troy how to drive in my BIG VAN.  They were only sophomores, and I thought they were going to wreck the car!  It was hilarious.  Larry was always a ton of fun, and I hope you all know how much you are in my thoughts and prayers.  

That ever-present smile and unlimited energy will always be remembered.  May God wrap you in His loving arms, bring you safely home and send His spirit to comfort those who are left behind.

Deacon Mark Wilder

Vernice and Sheri...my deepest sympathy for your loss.  Larry may have left our physical world, but his spirit will never be extinguished. Take care.

Larry was truly a one-of-a-kind guy.  His talents were many, but seldom have I ever known someone with more of a talent for living life to the fullest.  And he could tell stories that would have you laughing so hard that your sides would be hurting for days! 

Though our time as friends at Illinois State University was many years ago, I've always remembered Larry and thought of him as one of the most warm-hearted, generous people I've ever known.   

My heart goes out to his family during this time of grief.  May God be with you.

Even though the time we spent together was 25 years ago, it seems like yesterday. We will never forget you. We are so thankful that you were a part of our lives. 

Ward was a very special person to us. Bob met Ward at ISU and lived with him for a year and became long time friends. I met him shortly after he graduated, in Chicago. The memories are many and they all include a lot of laughing,dancing and silliness! Ward was a very talented, fun-loving and caring person. We will miss him! Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.  

Although our times spent together were few, I felt an immediate bond with Ward. He had the amazing ability of making a person feel comfortable and special. Ward was funny, witty, kind and generous. Last year while shopping with him in Chicago he literarily gave me the coat right off his back! 

Ward...you and your contagious smile will be truly missed.

Although our times spent together were few, I felt an immediate bond with Ward. He had the amazing ability of making a person feel 

Ward had very many talents. He helped make my wedding day an extra special day. He wa very thoughtful and gracious. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. 

When I think of Ward, creativity, style, talent, and fun are the words that stand out the most.  For example, in college, we would communicate   on the most unique stationery we could find - always trying to outdo each other, whether it was his note on an RC carton or mine written on toilet paper!
We had so much fun on his visit to SIU in the 80s at the infamous SIU Halloween weekend which earned the school a reputation as a party school. (Now the school shuts down during this time.) I wont elaborate on the shenanigans when he visited Cindy and me there, but based on my costume and partying I earned the lifelong nickname, Pocahontas, a secret story kept between Ward, Larry, and me until recently.
We both managed to graduate and once in Chicago enjoyed an occasional brunch in the city, a great opportunity to catch up on the latest with our careers and family updates.  He spoke of treasured visits from Valerie and her girls; he was so proud of his nieces and nephew who much too quickly grew up into such incredible adults!  Recent visits from his twin cousins were also very special to him.
Although some may not be aware, The Ultimate Bride Shoppe where he worked for many years is located on Oak Street in the heart of Chicago, and is one of the most exclusive bridal shops in the city.  When I was Susan Mayberry or Mayberry-Boehm, some of my colleagues and friends would recognize the name and ask if I was related to Larry.  They spoke of him with such high regard - he made each of his customers feel like a princess at her own ball!
We designed my wedding dress together.  Even with the Mayberry  well do it my way attitude we both had, I deferred to his professional expertise. I was amazed with how unique and beautiful those one of a kind features that I initially hesitated about made my wedding gown.  Guests at our Antigua ceremony commented about my dress, saying we looked like we should be featured in the society pages!  (A little bragging is allowed on your wedding day!)
Ill never forget the laughter, the fun and creativity.  The photos I include are just a couple that I feel reflect some insight into Wards personality&there was no hesitation to go out on a limb to get the most of the experience&atop the bridge or in the water.
Although his loss is devastating to so many, I must look back on the memories and realize that in his abbreviated life he made the most of it.  He was generous and full of great ideas and laughter.  Thats the way I want to remember him and I think thats what he would want from us.  He was a class act!
 




Larry always brought a smile to your face, a man true to his friends, family and the things in life that are truely important.  He will be missed and remembered often.

My thoughts and prayers to your family.  I knew Larry from Sunset Hills and then when I got engaged our paths crossed again at Ultimate Bride.  Larry created a beautiful veil for my dress.  

 At Christmas, my daughter and her boyfriend (her first real love) came to stay; Kara wanted me to be impressive and entertaining for him. She loves my stories, so I told a few, including a funny one about Larry.  Her boyfriend laughed, so my work was done.  Larry gets the credit, though, eh?  
 It's been years since I've seen Larry and even longer since he probably even remembered my name, since he was older and much more dignified than I was! Heh.
 I remember him quite clearly, though. He was kind to me and mine when I was a young, gangly tomboy who had just moved to Pekin and went everywhere barefoot, in unfashionabe clothes, with littler cootie family members in tow. We were truly yucky little kids, but we never realized that until we moved here. It was rough. Larry defended us from ridicule our first few weeks in Pekin, and I have never forgotten it.
 There was no reason for him to even talk to us; we weren't next-door neighbors or the children of his parents' friends or anything like that. He just chose to show us compassion. Chose to. And he was only about 11 or 12 at the time. What a cool man, even when he was a little boy.
 I'm so terribly sorry to all of you who really knew this remarkable person. I just have some warm memories; some of you have way more than that to grieve over. I'm lucky that I just get to feel sadness along with gratitude that this treasure of a human actually appeared in my life for a short while.

A few of Ward's Chicago friends are getting together up here to reminisce and share stories on Saturday March 3rd at 1:00pm in his apartment.  If you would like join us please feel free to stop by.  The address is 1222 W. Farwell in Chicago.  If you'd like any futher information you can e-mail me at pennysolucky@yahoo.com or call at (773) 465-9329.

Ward was a sparkling champagne bubble.  We went through a lot together and I miss him very much.


I remember him as Larry he was a sweet boy. Its been a long time since I have seen Larry. I did see a picture of the wedding dress he designed for Holly Mayberry Webster,  beautiful! how talented he was. My sympathy to his family. May Larry rest in peace.

My condolences to Larry's family.  I didn't know he was in Chicago -- I am on Oak Street a lot and probably walked right past some of his creations.  Larry was extremely talented and a positive influence to everyone around him.  

Vernice-Sheri and Val
  My heart goes out to you. Know that Larry is resting peacefully and is happier than he has ever been. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
                    Susie King

Larry was a smile and warm heart to all who knew him.  A smile and warmth I will always have the fortune of reflecting upon when needed the most.  My prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones.  

Your laughter, your smile, your sense of humor and style, your charm and your sage advise - these are the things I will remember.  
To your family:
May the Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Ward- You made my wedding day extra special by designing and making my dress. You were so talented at everything you did. The memories and fun times we all had in Chicago with you last year will never be forgotten. You will be deeply missed. Love Always 

May God bless you with courage to bear the sorrow that now fills your heart. With deepest sympathy to you and your family! Jerry & Bev Heilman 

I will always remember your laugh and funny stories.  Holly's dress was beautiful and I have the picture of the two of you at her wedding.  Our last trip to Chicago to see WICKED was the best time.  To you, I will always be "Aunt Curl".
All my love.

Sheri, read this in the paper and know your heart is breaking. I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. 

Ward,You were such a fun cousin and talented in so many ways.  I, too, loved watching you during your Noteable competitions. I can still see you dancing and doing backflips to the song "Freeze Frame."  I am so thankful for the time spent with you in Chicago last year, just visiting and catching up.  I will miss you! Love,Heidi

Larry, Vernice, Donna, Bob, Sheri, & Valerie-I am so sorry for your loss. Larry, I knew you when we were very small children & watched you shine when you were on stage with the Noteables. I later saw your unbelievable talent when you altered my wedding gown in 1993...I am so proud that you chose wedding gown designing as your profession, as you must have created many happy brides!  I hope you were & are surrounded by many people who care about you.  Had I known of your illness, I certainly could have visited you, as I drive into the city for work quite often.  Thank you for being such an important part of the turning points in my life...you are already missed...Love you.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Larry's family and friends.  Larry was a great guy with many many friends.  He was always fun to be around and his laughter and smiles will not be forgotten.

.sorry about your lost .to let you i am thinking about you at this time.IN CHRISTIAN LOVE TOMMIE MARTIN

Larry was always a fun person to be around.  He had a never ending smile and made for many laughable moments in Noteables!  Thanks Larry!
May his family find comfort during this time.

Ward touched many lives and will be remembered with love.  May the family be comforted by God's love and knowing that Ward now rest with Him, free of pain.

Larry & Donna Mayberry:
We were so sorry to read about your loss.  Several of our friends have also lost one of their children and it just isn't supposed to be this way.  It is difficult to lose a parent but we think even more so to lose a child.  Our thoughts are with you at this time.

Bernie & Shirley Gobbel

Larry was one of those people from high school that you never forget.  He was fun, talented, and probably the best dressed guy at PCHS.  My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.

I will always treasure our 41 years of walking through life. Stand tall, don't you fall. Your sisters are walking on each side of MOM. You touched our lives in may ways with your creative talents. Never forget, that you, are never forgotten. Rest in Peace

May the candle flame always burn, as a memory of you and just remember you don't have to worry about the troubles of life one earth.  Now you can rest in Heaven, and someday we can join you.  May god bless you.

I was saddened to hear the news of Larry's passing.  Larry will be remembered as a good friend and son.  I knew him in high school and what I remember most about Larry was the fact that he was not afraid to just be Larry.  That was refreshing.  I send my deepest condolences to his family and close friends.

I had always hoped I would see Larry some day at a reunion.  I am so sorry to hear this news.  As many have said, memories of him are of laughter, fun, singing, dancing with an "I did it my way" attitude.  Many will never attain that level of confidence.  I'm so happy he did what he dreamed of creating.  I'm sorry for your loss.

We both remember Larry as a fun loving guy and friend to everyone. I have many fond memories of being part of the choir at PCHS with Larry and Roger remembers still being friends with him during their time at ISU. We will always think of him with a smile. Our prayers go out to his family.

One word, EXTRODINARY!  Larry was truly one that made MY Noteable time fun, carefree and memorable!  For that I will always be thankful, and you knew that Larry!
My heart, sympathy and prayers are extended to the Mayberry family.  
Larry, SORE my friend!  I will see you again one day!!!  

  


Vernice - Larry,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Jerry Moore

Larry and I were dance partners our first year in Noteables.  We had so much fun together and laughed constantly.  He was an incredibly talented singer and dancer.  I would like to express my sympathy to his family at this difficult time.

WARD WILL BE MISSED.  HIS VITALITY CANNOT BE EXTINGUISHED.  HIS SPIRIT LIVES ON IN ALL OF US WHO KNEW HIM AND WILL FOREVER BRIGHTEN MY DAY WHENEVER I THINK OF HIM. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU IN YOUR LOSS AS HE IS NOW COMFORTING WARD.  PEACE BE WITH YOU.   

It was only a few weeks ago Larry entered my thoughts.  I wondered how he was, where he was, and if he was enjoying life.  Little did I know I'd shortly be reading where he was and that he had enjoyed a very full life.  I will always smile when I remember his energy and enthusiasm.  I always knew he'd be a designer.  He designed and sewed his own creation back when he was just a junior.  It was a tan suede shirt with fringes.  It was incredible.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.  I hope in the years to come you will be able to smile and remember his ever present zest for life.  I will always remember my friend.

Larry & I used to have so much fun in Noteables and just being teenagers!  I still remember the time when he took the tape out of a cassette tape, wrapped it in my hair with a 45 (record) and we got all dressed up for Halloween.  He was always creative and full of energy!

My prayers & condolences go out to Larry's family.  He will be missed!

My prayers and sympathies are with "Butch's" family and friends.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Larry's friends and family.  God bless.

I just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!

We know what it is like to go through this with such a young person.

If you need anything, please let us know!!

The Retzer Family
348-3782


It saddens me to hear of Larry's passing, he was always such a fun loving, talented person who was able to bring a smile to your face. My thoughts and prayers will be with you the family and friends who will remember him fondly.  He will be greatly missed.   

I will always remember Larry for his laugh, his energy, and his willingness to help others. I would like to extend my sympathy to his family and friends.  

I love you and will miss you dearly.  You will always be in my heart.  No one could make me laugh like you.  Thank you for being such a special part of my life.  



Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your son and brother. Our heartfilled sympathy is extended to your whole family.  Roy and Sandy

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.  Rest in peace.

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY. SPECIAL NOTE TO UNCLE LARRY & AUNT DONNA -- MY HEART & PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU.

OBITUARY

Ward C Mayberry

January 24, 1966 – February 15, 2007

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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