Larry L. Walburn

Larry L. Walburn, 91, of Wellston, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe. Born on October 30, 1933, and raised in Wellston, Ohio, Larry was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Lydian (Hamer) Walburn.

A proud lifelong resident of Wellston, Larry dedicated his life to serving the community he loved. Over the course of 44 years in public service, he wore many hats—city council member, service director, and mayor. As the last mayor to preside over mayor’s court before its transfer to the county in 1977, Larry left a lasting mark on the city’s civic history.

Larry’s love for youth and sports led him to coach boys’ and girls’ teams for four decades, shaping the lives of countless children between the ages of 5 and 16. His enduring commitment earned him a place in the Wellston High School Sports and Recreation Hall of Fame.

Beyond the field and city hall, Larry was a devoted community member. He served on the Jackson County Republican Executive Committee, contributed to the Wellston Area Chamber of Commerce, and was part of the Wellston Tree Commission. He also proudly held the title of Kentucky Colonel.

Larry had a quiet joy for life’s simple pleasures—collecting coins, watching sports, and spending time with his family. His warmth, leadership, and unwavering dedication to others will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

One of Larry’s greatest joys—besides public service and coaching—was his unabashed love of fireworks. He never missed a chance to light up the sky, and the louder the boom, the bigger the grin. Every Fourth of July, Larry could be found with a lighter in one hand and a gleam of mischief in his eye, orchestrating neighborhood displays that sometimes raised more eyebrows than sparklers. His family swears he had a secret competition with the city’s official fireworks show. We suspect Larry’s in heaven and has already petitioned to be in charge of the next celestial celebration—because no one loved a good lightshow like Larry Walburn.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Katherine (Phillips) Walburn; his sons, Jeffrey (Jackie) Merrill and Tom (Sandy) Walburn; his stepson, Michael (Susan) Craig; stepdaughters, Kelley Craig-Wood, Carrie Denney, and Karen (Jeffery) Jayjohn; 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; his brother, Brad (Michelle) Walburn; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to mention a very special recognition for his granddaughter Lesley Spires for her devotion and care for both Larry and Kathy.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Shirley Wortman.

In accordance with his wishes, Larry will be cremated. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston, with Pastor John Pelletier officiating.

To share a message of comfort or a memory of Larry, please visit www.rmwilliamsfuneralservice.com.

R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, is honored to care for the Walburn family.