Lawrence D. Bigard, 63, of Charleston, went home Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  Graveside services at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. Military rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston V.F.W. Paul McVey Post 1592.

Larry was born July 20, 1947, in McLeansboro, to Florent Joseph and Maxine (Grimes) Bigard. He was united in marriage to Judy Venable on June 13, 1981, in Champaign.

He is survived by Judy, his wife and best friend of nearly 30 years; two children, John Patrick Bigard and wife, Alex, of Asheville, N.C., and Dawn E. (Bigard) Riley and husband, Alan, of Arkansas; 11 grandchildren; a brother, John Daniel Bigard and wife, Thelma, of West Liberty; a sister, Kathy Curry and husband, David, of Magnolia, Texas; a brother, Elmer Brookfield, of Effingham; and a stepfather, Henry Brookfield, of Olney.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Florent Joseph Bigard and Maxine Bigard Brookfield; his grandparents, Louie and Cecelia Bigard; a brother, Florent Joseph Bigard Jr.; and two sisters, Angelina Bigard and Nell Bigard.

He was a Vietnam War veteran, proudly serving his country with the United States Marine Corps. He was formerly employed with Blaw-Knox in Mattoon and was currently employed with GSI in Paris, Ill., as a metal shearer.

Larry was a man of faith and a member of Charleston Bible Church. His love for the Lord, along with his kind heart and generous nature, was the for the numerous ways in which he served others with a loving and Christian attitude. He could always be counted on to help someone less fortunate. Larry was quite the science enthusiast, enjoyed playing pool with his brother and loved being outdoors. Long walks with Judy, mountain hikes in search of the next waterfall or being at home in his garden were all activities he enjoyed. Larry’s sense of humor made life for himself and those around him more enjoyable. He loved his family dearly and was a wonderful husband to Judy, a devoted father to John and Dawn, and a doting grandfather who adored his grandchildren immensely.  They have all been blessed with fond memories to recall and share with one another and to comfort their hearts.    

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - April 29, 2011