Lawrence G. Henning

Lawrence George Henning, age 63, of Toledo passed away Monday April 21, 2014 at Ebeid Hospice Residence, Sylvania, OH. He was born in Monroe, Michigan on August 3, 1950. Larry attended Hall of the Divine Child Military School in Monroe, MI; he graduated in the top ten of his class from Mason Senior High School in Erie, MI where he was Class President two of his four years. He attended Eastern Michigan University on a football scholarship where he played linebacker for the Eagles. Larry began his career as an electrician at Davis-Besse Power Plant, eventually leaving to start his first business (as co-owner) Advantage Electric Inc. Advantage Electric Inc. grew to be one of the largest electrical contractors in the nation, with offices in Toledo, Cleveland, and Columbus Ohio, as well as, Pennsylvania and Florida. As a successful entrepreneur Larry has since owned several commercial contracting businesses. He lists as one of his company's more memorable projects, their participation in the "lighting" of a local landmark, the Veterans' Glass City Skyway bridge. Most recently, Larry was employed as a Project Manager for US Utility and is a co-owner of Advantage Properties, Inc. For over 30 years he was actively involved in helping improve the industry he loved. He was a past board member of the Toledo chapter of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), and faithfully participated in the monthly meetings. A man of integrity, Larry had a reputation as a vocal proponent for "doing what was right". He always encouraged the membership to raise the bar, to perform at their highest level, and be accountable to their customers. Amongst his many contributions, he served on the Toledo Electrical JTAC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) and interviewed prospective apprentices coming into the industry; he was a strong advocate for the hands on training labs and taught classes at the apprenticeship school for Journeyman. In his youth he participated in the cast of the Up With People tour. Larry was a devout Catholic who loved his church, Christ the King, never missing a Sunday. He was active in his community and served on the Good Will Board, as well as, The Alliance for Paired Donation Board (donor match program for kidney transplants). He was an avid University of Michigan football fan, holding season tickets for over 30 years. Larry loved golfing, boating, fishing, laying in the sun, and spending time with his family. He cooked every holiday meal and was known to his family and friends as the "grillmaster". He especially enjoyed hosting his company's annual "Pig Roast" - a gastronomical event anticipated by his employees, and customers alike. Larry had a zest for life and wore his heart on his sleeve. He was down to earth and abundantly generous in every way; a faithful and loving husband, and devoted father, who adored his children. He was a dedicated employer and personally cared about his employees. Larry's personality was contagious, making friends everywhere he went. Because of his "larger than life" stories, he was always the center of attention - a truly genuine and trustworthy man; he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Anne Henning, and his nephew Denny Lee Henning. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 27 years, Jill (Schmelzer); children Brandi (Scottie) Upp, Michael, Nicholas, and Sloane Henning; grandsons Scott Upp III, and Alex Upp; brother Dennis (Marlene) Henning; nephew Chad (Christen) Henning, and niece Jan (Eddie) Fosnaugh; and many others who thought of him as "more than a friend". There will be a Visitation for family and friends at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., on Thursday May 1st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, Friday May 2nd at 10:00 a.m.; the family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. Memorials may take the form of contributions to: The Alliance for Paired Donation [nonprofit donor match program for kidney transplant patients] (www.paireddonation.org or 3661 Briarfield Blvd. Maumee, OH 43537); ProMedica Hospice/Ebeid Residence (ProMedica Flower Hospital Campus 5340 Harroun Rd. Sylvania, OH 43560); or Christ the King Church [Capital Campaign Fund] (4100 Harvest Lane Toledo, OH 43623). Please view and sign the online guest registry at www.coylefuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Lawrence G. Henning

August 3, 1950 - April 21, 2014