In Memory
Lawrence D. Guy
January 03, 1939 ~ January 09, 2026 (age 87)
Lawrence “Larry” D. Guy passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, just six days after his 87th birthday. He was born on January 3, 1939, in South Bend, IN, to the late Kenneth D. and Kathryn Guy. Larry was the oldest of three children, preceded in death by his brother, Tom, and he is survived by his sister, Marilyn (Floyd) Ermer.
On January 28, 1961, Larry married and is survived by Janie Perkins. They spent just short of 65 beautiful years together and had three children: Kent (Debbie) Guy, Kelly (Michael) Shank, and Kristin (Paul) Varga. He was blessed with eight grandchildren: Megan (Matthew Quigley) Shank, Michael (Lizzy) Shank, Patrick (Sarah) Shank, Gregory Shank, Bryce Varga, Paige Varga, Luke Guy, and Julia Guy. He was grateful to have met four young great-grandchildren. Larry loved and was loved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly, and was known affectionately as "Poppy."
Larry graduated from Washington/Clay High School in South Bend in 1957 and attended Albion College. He proudly served in the Army Reserves for several years.
Larry worked briefly at Associate Investments before moving to Portage Realty, kickstarting a 43-year career in real estate, new home construction, and land development. He was owner and president of Crest Realty Corporation before becoming an associate with several real estate companies, including Smith-Zeisz, Jim Dunfee & Associates, and ReMax.
He was a 43-year member of the Indiana Association of Realtors, Board Member of Hamilton Communities in New Carlisle, and a member of the Home Builders Association of St. Joseph County.
He will be remembered as a devoted member of Clay United Methodist Church. He volunteered often, serving in his community primarily with Meals on Wheels and Clay Church Food Pantry and as a past president of the Roseland Rotary Club. Larry had an active social life full of golf, poker, and tennis with his friends, including being a member of the MADFATS tennis group.
In retirement, Larry and Janie enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law. His backyard was a haven for birds, where he was dedicated to feeding and observing them. He was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren and loved sharing in their lives and interests.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Clay Church, 52866 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00-11:00am at the church prior to the service. Palmer Funeral Home—Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Clay Church Food Pantry, 17646 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
Services
Memorial Visitation
Friday
January 16, 2026
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Clay Church (South Bend)
Memorial Service
Friday
January 16, 2026
11:00 AM
Clay Church (South Bend)
Donations
Clay Food Pantry
Firehouse Campus 17646 Cleveland Rd., South Bend IN 46635
Added 01/12/2026 1545 GMS
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