Lawrence W. Litchfield

SUMNER — Larry Litchfield, Sr. of Sumner cashed in his chips after a long illness on Monday, January 28, 2013 at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway surrounded by the love of his family. The eldest son of the late Walter and Carolyn Morrill Litchfield, he was born on January 12, 1940 and raised and educated in Weymouth, MA. He moved to Maine in 1965. Many people also knew him as Big Lars or “Dancing Bear,” and no local dance or celebration was complete without his performance of “Walking the Dog.”

His love of games of chance, especially poker, was legendary. Foxwoods, Hollywood Slots and the Oxford Casino were some of his favorite places to be. He loved his large, extended family and wide circle of friends. He was proud of his property’s spacious well-groomed lawn and vegetable and flower gardens. His favorite gathering was the annual Labor Day family reunion which brought together Litchfield and Morrill relatives and friends from near and far.

He worked for H. E. Sargent Co. for 37 and a half years, retiring in 2005 due to ill health. He became known throughout the neighborhood as the self-appointed “neighborhood watcher” patrolling the area in his little blue buggy. He was a 40-year member of the Evening Star Lodge #147 in Buckfield and the Sumner Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Litchfield is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; their four children, Larry, Jr. and his wife Kim, Gary and his companion Debbie, Karen and her husband Bill Heald and Bill and his companion Kelly; brothers, Allan and Wally and his wife Lorraine; sister, Linda Richardson and her husband Junie; sisters-in-law, Deborah Litchfield and Gloria Litchfield; mother-in-law, Evelyn Chamberlain; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and a countless number of friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Wayne and Kevin and his son Joseph.

There are no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Sumner Volunteer Fire Dept., the Universalist Church in West Sumner or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Andrews Chapel, 64 Andrews Rd., Bryant Pond. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.