Lawrence J. "Larry" Brown, age 85 formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at home in Norton Shores, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 7, 1926, the son of the late Howard and Florence (Richards) Brown of Owosso. Larry was a graduate of Corunna High School. He served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1952. He married Clara M. Serr on September 25, 1949. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2000. Larry worked for many years at Reith Riley Construction Company. Later in life he was an estimator for Fenstermacher Trucking and Paving. Larry also enjoyed a job at Patterson's Flowers, because when he delivered flowers he always got a smile. He was involved in many organizations and community activities. He was a member of American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids, Elks Lodge #974 of Big Rapids, he had served as Past President of the Big Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #171 of Big Rapids, the Saladin Shrine, the Lakeland Shrine Club, the Royal Arch Masons and Shiners' Hospital. In addition to his parents and first wife, Clara; Larry is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Mike Symon and a sister, Jackie Krys. Survivors include; his wife Francine Brown of Norton Shores; children, Jean (Stan) Vallier of Big Rapids, Jim (Sue) Brown of Big Rapids, Jan Symon of Big Rapids and Jamie (Terry) Schmuecker of Perry; step-daughter, Paula Anderson of Muskegon; step-son, Wayne Anderson of Alabama; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Gene (Laurae) Brown of Owosso; a sister, Karen (Dale) Ellis of Owosso and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 19th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Jerena Keys officiating. Military honors will be held under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services on Monday and also on Sunday, December 18th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a Masonic Memorial service at 4:00 p.m. all at the funeral home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Larry's name may be made to Hospice of Michigan.