Larry Gene Mabbitt, 79, of Sheldon passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Danville VA Medical Center. He was born on September 4, 1946 in Watseka, a son of Joe and Viola (Whiteman) Mabbitt.
Larry met the love of his life, Susie, at Indiana Beach on July 11, 1965 and they married 5 years later on July 11, 1970 in Stockland.
Larry is survived by his wife, Susie Mabbitt of Sheldon; two daughters, Kelsey (Joe) Testa of Interlochen, Michigan and Kylie (Chad) Wright of Sheldon; seven grandchildren, Aliana (Benny) Al-Ashari, Micah (Lexi) Testa, Annalia (Isaac) Painter, Nate Testa, Alivia Testa, Brynlee Wright (fiancé Jayce Meier), and Beau Wright; one great granddaughter, Poppy Mae Painter; three siblings, Don Mabbitt of Sheldon, June (Tom) Mattox of Goodland, Indiana, and Crys (Wayne) Trotter of Downs, Illinois; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Maureen and Garry Hinkle of Danville, Illinois and Sally and Ron Schultz of Coral Springs, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Maurice and Earlyne Brasel; his beloved sister-in-law, Connie Mabbitt; and infant sister, Caryl Isabel.
Larry graduated from Sheldon High School in 1965. He then graduated from Peoria Barber School before serving in the US Army from 1966-1968. Larry barbered for over 55 years with the majority at his own shop, “Larry’s Haircut Store”, in Sheldon. He enjoyed all of his customers and said he learned something new every day. While barbering he also farmed for 12 years and worked for Creative Office Systems in Watseka for 10 years. Larry was also a member of the Sheldon United Methodist Church and the American Legion.
Larry and Susie lived on the farm in the home he grew up in. They enjoyed traveling, the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with their families, especially their girls and grandchildren. He was a very special "Uncle Larry" to his nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Joe Testa officiating. Burial will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery in Sheldon with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.
Memorials to the VA Illiana Health Care System to benefit the Danville VA and the Sheldon United Methodist Church.
Please share a memory of Larry at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
