Feb. 2, 1938-Aug. 26, 2014

Larry Lane Moss, 76, a prominent farmer, auctioneer and lifelong resident of Edgar County, Ill., died at 9:35 p.m. Aug. 26, 2014, at Paris Community Hospital.

Born Feb. 2, 1938, in Danville to Clarence and Lola Ross Moss, he married Roseann Zimmerly on Nov. 30, 1963. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Curtis (Beth) Moss of Brownsburg, Ind., and Matthew (Bridget) Moss of Paris, Ill.; grandchildren Jackson, Katherine and Weston Moss; a sister, Marcia (Doyne) Lenhart of Georgetown, Ill.; and a brother, William (Donna) Moss of Paris.

Larry graduated from Paris High School in 1955. He earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the University of Illinois in 1959. Upon completion of service in Company H 130th Infantry of the Illinois National Guard, he returned home to the family farm, Wolf Mound Farms, to be active in farming with the family. He was an active member of the Farm Bureau, serving as treasurer for several years.

Larry started Moss Family Clydesdales more than 30 years ago, and the family will continue on with his beloved hobby. They are well-known for having black Clydesdales, which are not as common. Over the years, they have traveled throughout the United States showing their six-horse hitch, and showing in halter classes and participating in numerous parades and special events. Most recently they competed at two past World Clydesdale Shows in Madison, Wis.

Larry and his son, Matthew, founded Moss Auction Team LLC. Together they have conducted agriculture equipment, farmland, real estate and personal property auctions in Illinois and Indiana. Matthew will continue the business.

In addition, Larry volunteered his auctioneering services for many local benefit auctions and the annual Edgar County 4-H auctions. For 16 years, Larry contributed his auctioneering skills at the annual Paris Chamber of Commerce banquet to sell the gold coins found in the Salvation Army Christmas kettles.

As a collector of antique tractors, Larry enjoyed traveling to old farm equipment shows and being a participant of the biennial 50 Years of Farm Progress show in Rantoul, Ill. He was also a strong supporter of the Edgar County Fair.

Larry was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Paris, where he served in several areas. For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to First Christian Church of Paris.

Services were Aug. 30 at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris, with the Rev. Michael C. Dixon officiating. Burial was in Edgar Cemetery. Additional information and online condolences are available at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com