Larry Lynn Shute

Larry Lynn Shute, 78, of Solsberry, Indiana, surrounded by his family, went to his heavenly home, on March 26, 2021. He was the son of Lawrence Julian and Della Mae (Taylor) Shute. He was born October 23, 1942 in Greene County, Indiana.

Larry Shute

He lived his entire life on the family homestead in Solsberry. He graduated from Solsberry High School in 1960, attended Indiana University, went to Linotype School in English, Indiana, and was a firefighter/EMT, a State of Indiana Master Level Firefighter and Arson Investigator. After 39 years of service, he retired from The Herald-Times in 2003, where he worked as a Production Manager, then Environmental Services Manager.

On April 2, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Helen Jean Shaffer, who was also his incredibly compassionate and loving caregiver.

Larry had always believed a citizen must give back something meaningful to their community. He worked to do that for several years, achieving most of the community-minded goals he had set for himself early in his young adult life. He was a founding member of the Eastern Volunteer Fire Department in 1963, where he served as Chief for 33 years, was given the status as a Life Time member, and was an active member for over 50 years. He was also recognized as a 50-year member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association. His interest in helping his community grew from the fire service and continued for his entire life. He was a fantastic advocate for his beloved Solsberry community and a great friend to all who knew him.

Larry also had the privilege of serving on the Greene County Sheriffs Merit Board, the Greene County Ambulance Service Board, the Greene County Hospital Board, and he served 8 years as Beech Creek Township Trustee. He was a Bicentennial Torch Bearer in 2016, and he was recognized as a Distinguished Hoosier in 2019. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Solsberry Post 450. Beyond his community mindedness, he enjoyed model airplanes, and antique cars, but he was best known for his musical talents and his model railroad. He was a local historian, an authority on the Tulip Trestle, and a member of the Tulip Trestle Community Restoration Inc. In all of this, he believed he had given something back to the community that had given him so much. He lived a very satisfying, fulfilling and productive life in Solsberry, and was affectionately known as The Mayor of Solsberry.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Jean, his daughters Amy (Steve) Denney, Mindy (Steven) Long, grandchildren Parker Shute Denney and Adelynn Isabel Long, sister-in-law Sue Shaffer, brother-in-law Keith (Phyllis) Shaffer, cousin Jill (Tom) Bunger, one aunt, several cousins, nieces, one nephew, and many beloved friends and neighbors.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 pm, Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Solsberry Christian Church. Interment will follow at Solsberry Cemetery.

Public visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 and one hour prior to service at Solsberry Christian Church.

Social distancing and masks will be required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to IU Health Hospice House Bloomington, Indiana, The Solsberry Cemetery Association, Beech Creek Township Fire Department or the Tulip Trestle Community Restoration, Inc.