Larry Robert Robinson

Larry Robert Robinson, lifelong Indianapolis resident, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday after a short stay in hospice care. He was 87. Services will be held at Flanner Buchanan Mortuary on Friday, June 23, at 2 pm. Larry lived a principled life of integrity, quiet intelligence, and generosity of time and spirit. He brought a calm confidence and optimistic outlook to every aspect of his life —marriage, career, family, and friends.

A numbers whiz, Larry graduated with double majors in economics and mathematics from DePauw University in 1956. Upon graduating, he joined State Life Insurance Company as an actuarial student, and received the Fellow of the Society of Actuaries designation in 1967.

DePauw is also where Larry met his wife and cherished companion, Shari. Together, Larry and Shari built a life centered around family. Larry gave unconditional love and support to his four children: Christopher, Lizbeth (Barnard), Lara (Behr), and Jeremy. He opened his heart and home to their spouses and partners as well, welcoming Tony Behr, Peter Barnard, Melissa Southwick, Kerry Herta, Diana Mullen, Jean Mas, and Sarah Jewett into his fold. And he took on grandparenting with zeal, joyfully donning his Poobah mantle with his eleven grandchildren: Ayla Mullen, Jessica and Eric Goff, Anna and Nick Żak, Isabelle and Cass Barnard, River Jewett, Isaiah Barnard, Charles and Julia Behr, Maggie Behr, Jack Behr, Kaya Evenstar, Taydee Evenstar, and three great-grandchildren: Kazimir, Max, and Petra Żak.

Larry distinguished himself as an actuary and business leader. He spent his entire career at State Life, becoming the company’s Executive Vice President, serving on American United Life Insurance Company’s board, then becoming State Life’s president throughout its merger with American United Life.

Larry also served in the Army Reserves, and was called up, along with his beloved twin brother Jerry, to Fort Jay, New York in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. For years, Larry worked on the board of Noble of Indiana, enjoyed the symphony and IRT, and spent as much time as possible at Old Oakland playing golf and bridge. Golf was his bane and his passion. He helped found a group of actuarial golfers, PITS; traveled annually to Michigan to golf with buddies; and was a member of the Indiana Golf Course Rating Team.

From each of Larry’s children and grandchildren: We will miss our impish jokester, wise mentor, loving father, and generous friend. You are loved.