Larry Rings

Larry Rings, 81, of Colchester, Illinois, passed away March 26, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. He was born August 9, 1942, in Macomb, Illinois, to Glen and Evelyn (Allton) Rings.

He was united in marriage to Diana St. John in Ogden, Utah, on April 15,1963. They had one son, Eric. They later went on to raise three of Diana’s siblings as their own, Cindy, Lisa, and Patrick St. John. Larry later married Mary Jane Getz in Burlington, Iowa, on March 17, 1991. She preceded him in death on October 16, 2020.

Surviving to mourn his passing are his son, Eric (Tracie) Rings, Huntsville, Alabama, grandsons Ryan Rings and Lane Rings, and great-grandson, Asher; three stepsons: Steve (Trisha) Getz, Carthage, Illinois, Joseph Getz (Antonina Chyher), Macomb, Illinois, and Jeff (Lisa) Getz, Burlington, Iowa; step-grandchildren: Tiffany Getz (Nathan Gosnell), Dustin (Mary) Getz, Dylan (Taylor) Getz, Alex (Megan) Magner, and Arin Getz (Treon Bennett); step-great-grandchildren: Layton, Memphis, Tenley, Ava, and Kingston; cousins Ann (Kendall) Knowles and Amanda Runner; sister-in-law, Lisa (Greg) Beck, and brothers-in-law, Patrick (Gina) St. John, Michael (Amy) St. John, and Steven (Deborah) St. John.

Larry graduated from Colchester High School in 1960. He then worked at the McDonough FS Elevator and Farm King before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1962. He was a lineman and was stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, and the Azore Islands. After completing his term of enlistment, he was honorably discharged in 1966. He then worked at McDonough Telephone Cooperative in Colchester as an installation and repair technician. He retired in 2005 after a 39-year tenure.

Larry was a dedicated member of his community, giving countless volunteer hours over the years. He participated in the startup of Friendway Park in Colchester and was co-chairman of the Colchester Recreation Association. He served on the Mount Auburn Cemetery board and on the City Council as the 3rd Ward alderman. He joined the Lions Club in 1976 and was instrumental for many years in making the annual Labor Day parade a success. He enjoyed running the scoreboard for Colchester High School basketball games and Western Illinois University football games.

Larry was a beloved father and grandfather, and he delighted in spending time with his family. He also enjoyed watching anything sports-related, playing a good game of canasta, and traveling.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, March 29, 2024, at Jones Mortuary with Rev. Jim Clayton officiating. Burial will follow the services at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Macomb, with military rites by the Macomb V.F.W. and Macomb American Legion. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday at the funeral home. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Thursday.  Memorials may be made to Colchester Methodist Church. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.jonesmortuaryfh.com.

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