Lawrence (Larry) Donald LeClair

Lawrence (Larry) Donald LeClair, age 87, of Sabula, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. No services will be held.

Larry was born January 26, 1939, in Escanaba, Michigan, the son of Laurence and Mildred (Greene) LeClaire. He moved from Escanaba to Detroit as a young boy, where he graduated from Salesian High School. Larry then attended Virginia Commonwealth University.

Larry proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military service included time overseas, including service at Da Nang, Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in January of 1969 and remained proud of his service throughout his life. He was a member of the Sabula VFW.

Following his military service, Larry began a long career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic control specialist. He later served as a supervisor and retired in 1996 after 23 years with the FAA.

On July 28, 1972, Larry married Linda Houston at the Sabula Methodist Church. Together they made their home in Sabula and shared more than 54 years of marriage.

Larry enjoyed working with his hands and spending time outdoors. Gardening was one of his greatest pleasures. He spent countless hours tending his flower beds and shrubs and took great pride in the compliments they received. For many years, he also volunteered his time and talents maintaining the landscaping at the local library.

Perhaps Larry’s greatest passion was travel. He was always interested in seeing something new and discovering what was beyond the next horizon. His travels ranged from visits with his daughters and grandchildren to adventurous journeys abroad, including many two-month backpacking trips throughout Southeast Asia. For Larry, there was always another place to see and another experience waiting around the corner.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Linda LeClair of Sabula; three daughters, Laurel (Joshua) Boverhof of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Leslie (Paul) Benner of Shelby Township, Michigan, and Lindsay (Steven) Hixon of Sandwich, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Logan, Drew and Jocelyn Boverhof, Nicholas and Thomas Benner, and Brendan and William Hixon; and three sisters, Sister Carole LeClaire of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Renée (Robert) Deroche of Essexville, Michigan, and Mary (Bruno) Petrella of Washington, Michigan.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Mildred LeClaire, and one sister, Nancy (August) Russo.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Sabula, Iowa at a later date.