Deceased February 17, 2013
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50th Reunion book entry
In Memory
Only in May 2014 did we learn of the passing of Larry McPheeters, age 88, a most distinguished member of our class, on Feb. 17, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Polly; three sons; and seven grandchildren.
Before coming Amherst, this Eagle Scout, who was born in Chattanooga, had significant service with the U.S. Army in the European Theater. In the ETO with the 95th Infantry Division, he earned a Combat Infantry Badge, a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for "heroic achievement" in action.
He entered Amherst under the 3-2 program with MIT, which meant he would transfer to MIT at the end of his junior year, and, after two years at MIT, he would graduate with a B.A. from Amherst and a B.S. from MIT.
He then did some additional work while with General Electric in New England, earned an M.E. degree and then, in 1951, joined DuPont, where he had a 33-year affiliation. While pursuing these three degrees, he met his future bride, Polly Howe.
They had four sons, but tragically, one was lost at age 7 months due to a birth defect. The other three have had long, happy marriages and produced seven grandchildren. Two became ministers, and one was a VP with Wilmington Trust Co. The family has stayed in Wilmington all this time.
After "retiring," Larry had a second career for 20 years as a master electrician for Habitat for Humanity.
From his start as a Boy Scout to his volunteer work later on and his serving as an elder in his Presbyterian church in Wilmington, this decorated classmate with three degrees ranks with our best. He will be sorely missed by his many lifetime friends there and in the Class of 1949.
Gerry Reilly '49