Larry Eugene Bougher

Larry Eugene Bougher, 64, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at his home on June 22, 2025. Born on February 2, 1961, in Kokomo, Larry was a proud 1979 graduate of Western High School. Shortly after, he chose to join the United States Coast Guard, where he served his country with courage and commitment. A natural handyman, he was always ready to lend a hand—no job too big, small, or complicated. After a long career at Kokomo Rental, he later retired as a respected shop foreman at J & J Trucking.

Larry was one of a kind—someone who made life a little brighter, more fun, and much more joyful for everyone around him. Whether you knew him for a moment or a lifetime, you likely remember his quick wit, his booming laugh, and that unmistakable twinkle in his eye when he was about to crack a joke. He had a way of lightening the mood and reminding everyone to enjoy the moment. There was never a dull time when Larry was around.

He had a deep love for classic rock—especially KISS—and wasn’t shy about sharing his opinions on what real music sounded like. He also had a lifelong passion for dirt sprint car racing, especially the Kokomo Speedway, where he spent many weekends cheering from the stands, wrenching on cars, swapping stories, and soaking in the roar of the engines. And when it came to NASCAR, no one could top his admiration for Dale Earnhardt—Larry wore that iconic number 3 with pride and never missed a race.

Larry also had a sweet side—literally and figuratively. He never turned down a chocolate chip cookie, and he looked forward every year to his sister’s homemade Christmas cookies, which he insisted were the best on earth. When something needed fixing, Larry was the one people called. He was everyone’s favorite handyman—talented, dependable, and always happy to help.

Though Larry may no longer be with us in person, his stories, laughter, and love will live on in all of us. His legacy is not only in the things he fixed or the races he watched, but in the countless lives he touched just by being himself.

He wasn’t just a son, brother, uncle, cousin, or friend—he was the heart of every gathering, the guy who made you feel welcome, and the one who could make you laugh until you cried. His presence was comforting, his stories legendary, and his heart incredibly generous.

Larry is survived by sister, Connie Jo Hines; sister Marilyn (John) Barnes; sister-in-law, Joan Bougher; aunts, uncles, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Bougher; mother, Violet Bougher; brother, Lowell Bougher; sister, Beverly Slane; and brother-in-law, Steve Hines.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Larry’s life from 10 am to 12 pm on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. The funeral service will begin at 12 pm on Monday, June 30, 2025, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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