Larry K. Casbon, age 85 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 in Valparaiso, IN. He was born on May 23, 1939 in Valparaiso, IN to Delbert and May Dell Casbon. He is survived by his wife, Linda Casbon; sons, Scott (Janet) Casbon and Todd (Lora) Casbon; daughter, Dawn (Steve) Huffman; 6 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren; 1 step-great grandchild; and brothers, Roger Casbon and Curt (Sandra) Casbon.
Larry attended Boone Grove High School where he was active in sports. He received a scholarship to play basketball and baseball at David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee where he completed a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a business minor. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in physical education from Indiana University. After graduating, Larry got a job teaching and coaching at Portage High School before becoming the school’s athletic director in 1976. He served in that role with passion and integrity for 20 years before returning to the classroom to finish out his working years.
Upon retirement, Larry spent countless hours reading his newspapers every day. Ever the avid sports fan, you could always find Larry faithfully watching his beloved Chicago sports teams whether they were winning championships or the last place teams in their leagues. His famous cajun popcorn became a fixture in our lives and with our friends. Larry got great joy in his later years from talking with his kids and he loved keeping tabs on what was happening with his grandkids.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service Friday, June 28th at 2:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church 1700 N. Monticello Dr., Valparaiso. Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry for your loss. Linda, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. -Teri Hanson and family
What a great man he was. Always admired him during my time at PHS! Definitely one of the good guys! -Sharon Johnston Burke
Larry was a great part of our family. My brothers Larry and Ken Krohn were basketball managers for him. He knew our whole family. When I came along he said you are the last. He was a great and wonderful man. Many will cherish his memory. God blessings to his whole family. -Donna (Krohn) McCall
Larry was my basketball coach from 1968-1970. He was a good guy and a great coach. He gave generously of his compliments and encouragements. Many times did Larry stay after practice to play one on one or two on two with us guys. He was a good role model for me in those years and I thank him. Peace, -Pete Shaw
Mr. Casbon was one of my favorite teachers at Portage High School. Even though I graduated in '69, I never called him Larry. My respect for him never left. I was thrilled that my son, Vance, got to know him in 5th grade and had him as a teacher in high school. I know Vance has the same respect for Mr. Casbon as I do. My deep condolences go to Linda and their family. I am so proud and happy that he was part of our lives. -Karen Carlin
Larry was my boss for 20 years at Portage. Working with him was such a joy. My heart is broken. Sending love and prayers to Linda and all his family, he was so proud of all of you. -Jane Arden
Larry’s life was all about athletics. He himself competed and watched many others. He knew how to train hard in order to win, but he also knew of God’s greater prize in eternity.1 Corinthians 9:24-25. He has finished his race and kept the faith and received God’s crown of righteousness! 2 Timothy 4:7-8. God’s peace to Linda, Scott, Todd, and Dawn, -Phil & Karen Bickel
I knew Larry from my working in the Portage School system for 23 years; he was always kind and friendly. My deepest sympathy to his family at this difficult time. -Jolene Mundell
I never had Mr. Casbon for a teacher but I was working for him during his entire tenure as PHS Athletic Director as PA announcer and timekeeper for PHS football and basketball. He helped me through some trying times in my life back is the late 1980s. Always a fixture at athletic events, he loved what he did, and he did it superbly. He will be missed. Rest in peace Caz and THANK YOU for everything. -Jim Lundie
Larry Casbon was one of my favorite people of all time. He gave me such support and always gave me the confidence to do more. He always came around to check on me and Kelly and was like a second dad to us. I hope he knew how much we loved him. Our prayers go out to Linda and his family. -Terry and Caren Swickard
I am very sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I was a student at PHS, graduating in 1965. I remember him as a good man, and a good coach. My sympathy to his family and friends. -Lynn Snider Irwin
Coach Casbon coached teams that I played on each of my four years in high school (9th grade basketball & baseball, 10th grade basketball, 11th and 12th grade baseball) - fall of '64 through spring of '68. He was liked, respected and a good man. -Peter Smart
My condolences to the family. I had Mr. Carbon as a teacher he was definitely the best, so kind, always willing to listen to us kids, he was a teacher I never forgot. Rip Mr. Carbon God definitely got a new Angel in his kingdom. -Brenda Baker Connaway
We as neighbors send our condolences. May our Lord give you comfort and peace at this time. We always enjoyed talking to both of you as neighbors and as friends. -Jack and Sylvia Graham
To Linda and Family, you are in our thoughts and Prayers My husband was in one of his first classes. I worked concessions for Larry for a number of years at Portage High School. I had an enormous respect for Larry. He never missed a time to come and say “Thank You” we need more Larry Carbons in this world. He will be very missed. Our loss, Heavens gain. Rest In Peace, Larry. -Darla and Larry Foreman
What a loss! I remember well how often Mr. Casbon would check in on me, as a new teacher, at Portage High School. He was an awesome leader and he provided teachers with a mentor to lean on without judgement. He cared and you knew he would be someone to count on. I am so thankful that our work life paths crossed and I will always remember you my friend. My sincere condolences to all family members and please know how special your dad, father, grandfather and great grandfather was to the field of education. Sincerely, -Lynn Wilson
I met Larry in 1976. I had just come to Portage to start my Family Practice and was asked by Dr Bob Wylie to take on the role of team physician for Portage schools. Over the next 4 decades Larry and I would become the closest of friends and advisors to each other. Larry had many gifts but above all else was his devotion to his family. He was a dedicated educator but his commitment to the safety of the student athlete will always stay with me. No one worked harder to insure every student had a chance to participate in safe and fair competition. He was the best of the best. Jackie and I will miss him dearly. -Dr Kenneth Black MD
Our condolences to the family. I grew up two houses down the street from the Casbon family. May he rest in peace. -Thomas Struble
What a great guy. I think he was liked by all. I played basketball for him on the JV team and played against him in other leagues after H.S. I’m sure he will be missed by all. -Bruce Funkey
On behalf of our entire Portage High School baseball family, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the entire Casbon family. “Cazzie” was our guiding light and inspiration for not just baseball, but also as a mentor, teacher, and striving to become what he established in all of us. Good sportsmanship, and growing into gentlemen. Quite a few of us were present to celebrate with him in honor of his four consecutive Duneland Conference Baseball Championships in April of this year. It was a day we will all cherish. -Russ E. Natalie Sr.
My deepest sympathies to Larry's family. I was lucky to get to know him when I taught at Portage High School. He was a kind, friendly man, who always had a smile on his face when I saw him. I enjoyed many
conversations with him. Prayers to you all. Rest in Peace Larry. -Barb Spitler
Linda, What a saint we have all lost. Our prayers to you and your family. Sorry we cannot be there. Just moved to N C. -Ron and. Pat Hancock
So sorry for the loss of Larry. He loved Linda and the family very much. He was always so eager to help anyone at PHS. He was loved and respected by all the managers and players he came in contact with. Should he see you away from school he greeted you as a long lost friend. Larry will be missed but never forgotten. God Bless, -Chuck & Brenda Combi
On behalf of all Portage High School baseball players and athletes, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Casbon family. It is with a heavy heart that we bid our former teacher, coach and mentor, rest in peace. All of us have a list of how this man touched our lives. From good sportsmanship to being a gentleman on and off the field. In April of this year we celebrated with the current team the fact that “Cazzie” was the only coach to win four consecutive Duneland Conference Baseball Championships, 1971-1974. It was a great day for all of us to honor him. A day that we’ll cherish forever. We loved you “Caz”… -Russ E. Natalie Sr.
Dear Casbon Family - The memory of Mr. Casbon will always bring a smile to my face. He was my JV basketball coach at PHS during the 1973-1974 season. His joyful discipline helped form and guide me. He provided concern and comfort right after my father's death in 2002. Mr. Casbon shared a wonderful story about my father that was heartfelt, insightful and illuminating. I am thankful for and will appreciate Mr. Casbon's direct and indirect influence on my life through his leadership of PHS athletics. Please accept my sincerest condolences at Larry's passing. -T. Godfrey Mackenzie
My deepest sympathies Larry was such a kind soul who didn’t know a stranger and never made you feel less important. He amazed me always remembering your name and what you were about. He always made me smile. He will be greatly missed. -Pam Phillips
Larry started teaching at Portage during my senior year there. He was the reason I decided to attend David Lipscomb College. My brother, Mike, played basketball and baseball for him. My husband, Joe, coached JV at River Forest and crossed paths often with Larry through the years. I know Linda through our teaching connection, and we were neighbors for years. Joe and I send our condolences to the Casbon family. -Judy Grimm Burleson
