Larry Pfahler

Dr. Larry L. Pfahler, 73, of Gahanna, OH, peacefully entered the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ, surrounded by loved ones on December 19, 2016, after a brief battle with cancer. Larry was born in Bucyrus, OH, on January 27, 1943, to Lewis and Gladys (Auck) Pfahler. He grew up on his family’s farm, excelling in everything he did. Larry loved sports and was the president of the first graduating class of Buckeye Central HS in 1961. The first member in his family to attend college, Larry graduated from Malone College and continued to medical school at The Ohio State University, paving the way for many family members to enter the medical profession. Following a decade on the mission field, Larry felt directed to integrate biblical truths into the field of psychiatry and completed his psychiatric residency at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Service in Grand Rapids, MI. Larry lovingly served as a Christian Psychiatrist for 32 years in Worthington, OH. Prior to this he devoted 11 years serving as a medical missionary in the Central African Republic. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing softball, reading, and spending quality time with family. Larry devoted much time to Christian outreach with Grace Polaris Church and Vineyard Columbus, as well as with Lower Lights Christian Health Center and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. Larry loved Jesus and dedicated his life to being used by Him to impact those he counselled, supervised, and mentored. He grew to treasure the grace and presence of God, particularly in his later years. His life’s purposes were to be viewed as a man of truth and integrity and to see his children and grandchildren come to love Jesus as he did. Larry is survived by his wife Deborah; his three daughters, whom he shared with former spouse Linda Durst: Heidi (Tracy) Stringer, Stephanie (Rand) Hudson, and Stacey (Beau) Stanley; seven grandchildren: Ethan, Gabriella, Sophia, Connor, Colton, Isaiah and Simon; sister, LaVon Luidhardt, and brother, Ray (Wanda) Pfahler. Larry is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, David Luidhardt. Visitation will be held Monday, December 26, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High St., in Worthington. The funeral service will be Tuesday, December 27, at 10:30 a.m., at Grace Polaris Church, 8225 Worthington Galena Rd., Westerville. Private interment will be at Union Cemetery, Rts. 602 and 98, in Bucyrus. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Wycliffe Bible Translators (P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862), a work near and dear to Larry’s heart.

Larry Pfahler

January 27, 1943 - December 19, 2016