Larry P. Crain, age 83, passed peacefully from this life on Dec. 1, 2023, with his lovingly devoted wife of 54 and a half years at his side.  

Growing up, “Pooh Bear,” as he was later known by family and close friends, cherished the time he spent shadowing his big brother and fishing with his dad.  As a proud graduate of Franklinton High School’s Class of 1958, Larry went on to earn a Master of Science in Education degree from Northwestern State University.

During his 46 year tenure with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Leesville and Pinecrest Supports and Services Centers, “Mr. C.” wore many hats.  He poured his heart into his work and into those he supervised, always encouraging them to pursue excellence.  Larry’s work provided him with opportunities to create policies and procedures and write grant proposals, which he enjoyed.  

As a formidable right tackle in his teenage glory days and a life-long, die-hard Saints fan, watching football was a favorite pastime.  As an artist, Larry got a kick out of drawing caricatures and cartoons for friends and family.  In years past, he enjoyed hog and predator hunting with his brother-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Simmons, and wood duck and deer hunting with his very patient and accommodating son-in-law.  

A devout Christian, Larry humbly served as Chairman of the Deacons at First Baptist Church, Leesville.  As a doting husband and father, Larry’s greatest accomplishment was his family.  He was undoubtedly the very BEST daddy a girl could have asked for.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George Prentis and Mary Lonie Duncan Crain; oldest brother, Louis Crain, and a “little brother” who passed away at two days of age.  Those left to honor his memory are his beloved wife, Mary Simmons Crain; daughter, Heather Crain McCool, and husband, Nolan; special niece and nephew, Roger and Lisa Simmons Guidry, and a host of extended family and friends.  

The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to Rapides Regional Medical Center staff, Drs. Screpetis and McBride, and Compassionate Care Hospice.