Laurence D. "Larry" Fowler

Lansing, Michigan

 On May 20, 2016, Larry journeyed from this life to join our Father in Heaven, leaving his body with all its pain and suffering behind after a fierce battle with melanoma.

Staying behind are his wife, Elaine Tycocki Fowler, sons David Tycocki and fiancée Elizabeth Murphy Lather, children Ben and Hannah Letzer, and Timothy Tycocki, grandson Victor (Ashley) Harwood and great-grandson Ezra Monroe Harwood. His brother and sister-in-law Francis “Frank” and Ruth Fowler, brother Eugene “Gene” Fowler, 13 beloved nieces and nephews, “adopted” nieces and nephews, The Beal Children, numerous great-nieces and nephews and his devoted, secretary/assistant of 35 years, Beverly  Guyselman.  Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Dora and OS Fowler, brothers and sisters-in-law Jack and Joyce Fowler and Don and Ruth Fowler, sister-in-law Joanna Fowler, nieces Susan Fowler Pavelka, Tracy Fowler, nephews Ron and Dan Fowler.

Larry was born in St. Louis, Michigan on November 15, 1932.  After moving to Lansing, he attended Walter French Junior High School and graduated from Lansing Eastern High School where he wrestled under Coach Don Johnson, winning a State Championship. He was also a member of the Eastern Football Team, receiving All-State Honors. Larry went on to attend Michigan State University.

As a Spartan Wrestler he was heavyweight runner-up at the 1954 Big Ten Championship Meet.  Larry was also a member of Biggie Munn’s 1951, ‘52 and ‘53 Spartan Football Team, winning 27 out of 28 of their games. At the 1953 Football Banquet, as a senior, he was presented the “Oil Can Award,” for being the player who most contributed to the team in a humorous way.  A “highlight” of Larry’s life was playing in the 1954 Rose Bowl Game, defeating UCLA 28 to 20. He was named an All American Offensive Tackle by NBC in his senior year.

Upon graduation from MSU, having earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business, he fulfilled his ROTC obligation, entering the United States Army, serving as a Lieutenant for two years in Germany. Following his Military service he was employed by Dartmouth College as Head Wrestling Coach and Assistant Football coach.   Larry returned to MSU to earn his Master’s Degree in Business Administration.  He then entered Wayne State University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1961 and was admitted to the Michigan State Bar in December, 1961.  After one year spent as Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor under Leo Farhat Senior, Larry entered private practice.  He spent the majority of his 55-year career practicing law along with his office partner and dear friend, John Tuttle, at 406 West Ottawa St. in Lansing.

Larry was a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the Michigan State University Alumni “S” Club, The Downtown Coaches Club, Quiet Birdmen Flyers Club and Lansing Country Club.

He was inducted into the Lansing Eastern High School Hall of Fame, and the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2005 an anonymous donor honored Larry by establishing the MSU Larry D. Fowler Endowment in for the College of Natural Science.  This fund provides $5,000.00 scholarships every year to students from Lansing Eastern and J.W. Sexton High Schools based on scholastic achievement and need.

In recent years Larry and Elaine split their time between Lansing and Fort Myers, Florida.

Larry was an avid golfer and skilled airplane pilot, a kind and generous person who helped many clients, friends and family on his journey through life.   He would not want us to mourn, but to celebrate his life. Larry had a great sense of humor.   He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, Larry’s family asks that you consider a contribution to the MSU Larry Fowler Endowment Fund for the College of Natural Sciences or the Salvation Army.

Funeral services will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m.   The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 25th, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and again on Thursday from Noon until time of service. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Coe Cemetery in Isabella County on Friday, May 27, 2016, at Noon.

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11 Messages to “Laurence D. "Larry" Fowler

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Sam Bush
May 22, 2016 at 2:46 pm

I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Have known the Fowler family for a long time as we all went to our country school together many years ago.

Sam

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Carol Meyer
May 22, 2016 at 9:26 pm

I will greatly missed my Uncle Larry. It is very true he was a kind and generous man. I know he helped me at crucial times in my life.

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Chris Mellios
May 23, 2016 at 12:49 pm

I will miss my friend and mentor and his wisdom he shared with me. I can say I learned a great deal from him. Ready in peace Larry.

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Donald & Jeanette Ristow
May 23, 2016 at 1:34 pm

Having been a neighbor at 610 West Ottawa for years, active in community and civic affairs, our paths crossed on numerous occasions. Larry was always an extremely kind and well-spoken gentleman and enjoyed the respect and admiration of everyone who came into contact with him and us.

We are saddened to learn of Larry’s passing and hasten to extend to the family our deepest and sincerest sympathy in their bereavement.

Blue skies,

The Ristows

PO Box 110756
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

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Christopher Struble
May 23, 2016 at 2:31 pm

Larry was a great man and took the extra time to make my brother and I feel special.. He took us flying and to his cottage on Lake Michigan ,great fun for two boys .. In later life I never had to worry about legal problems as I had the BEST attorney there was… Peace be with you Larry …

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Vicki and David Jackson
May 23, 2016 at 6:08 pm

To Elaine and all of his family, we are so sad to hear of Larry’s passing. But what an amazing and accomplished man he was! That wonderful legacy will continue, and carry those wonderful memories with you.
RIP Larry

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John/Pat Greenslit
May 24, 2016 at 6:19 pm

Elaine and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences and sympathy in the loss of Larry. Your loss might be softened a little by knowing others care. Kindest
regards,
John and Pat Greenslit

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C Teman Cassells.
May 25, 2016 at 2:10 pm

My. Prayers. Are. With. You. God. Bless. You

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Cliff Ingalls & Family
May 26, 2016 at 9:19 am

Mrs Larry Fowler & Family,
We are deeply saddened at the loss of Larry !!
Not only did he accomplish the art of Flying anywhere he wanted and had the ability to fly several types and category’s of aircraft !
Larry also had those cat like skills in the Courtroom that was truly amazing and absolutely Professional ! Larry a longtime friend that was not only incredibly smart, he was very witty. We feel blessed to have known Larry ! Fly on to greener pastures our friend !!
Cliff Ingalls & Family

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Jeannette Feeheley
May 26, 2016 at 7:29 pm

Dear Elaine,
I am so sorry to learn of your beloved Larry’s death. My deepest condolences to you and all the family and all Larry’s loved ones. May Our Lord welcome Larry home and comfort all of you.

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Richard
November 10, 2017 at 2:09 am

I am sad we never met…

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