LARRY HANNUM PASSES

Larry's Obituary from Hine Funeral Home:

On April 29th, Larry Keith Hannum passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at his home in Kent, which was on the family farm where he was born and lived his entire life. 

Larry was born on June 3rd, 1943 to the late Catherine Rhodes and Lyman Fay Hannum.  He grew up in Kent and graduated from the University School High School as well as Kent State University.  He was a third generation entrepreneur, utilizing the family farm, which had historically been a celery farm, to build a long-standing horse business.  He began offering horseback riding rentals, hayrides, riding lessons and boarding at the early age of 15 and owned and operated Larry’s Stables, Inc. for the past 63 years. He was also a beloved 6th grade teacher for Stow City Schools for over 30 years.  

Multiple generations of equestrians cultivated their love of horses at Larry’s Stables, whether it was earning their Girl Scout badge, attending the famous “Ranch Camps”, taking regular lessons, leasing a horse or buying and boarding their own horse.  After realizing his daughter was too young to begin 4-H, he decided to create his own show-The Hannum Fun Show!  The show became a well-loved annual tradition for his boarders well after his daughter outgrew the experience.  He was a trusted horse expert and became an icon in the horse industry in Northeast Ohio and beyond.  He was exceptionally skilled at teaching children of all ages how to ride, but more importantly, he knew how to build confidence in his students that lasted well beyond the riding arena.  The ripple effects of his positive impact as a teacher in and out of the classroom will be felt for generations to come.  

He was passionate about all things “cowboy” related.  He was an avid collector of western artwork, spurs, saddles, handmade stirrups, brands and knives.  He organized multiple trips to western dude ranches with groups of friends.  He was a true cowboy!  He and a group of loyal friends had a standing Friday Happy Hour for decades.  These Friday conversations were often the highlight of his week.  

While he may have been most well-known as a horse industry legend, he was most loved as a father and papa.  He leaves behind his daughter, Kara Hannum Lewis (Damon), as well as grandchildren Mackenzie Catherine, Reed Andrew, Cooper Harrison and Laine Faye, all of Hudson, Ohio.  He loved the fact that his two granddaughters took on Hannum family names in honor of his parents.  He enjoyed many years of watching his daughter successfully show Quarter Horses and was the ever-proud father.  He was delighted that his grandchildren were the 5th generation to love the family farm.  Whether it was attending ranch camp, riding the 4-wheelers, tractors or gators, fishing in the pond, inviting friends for hayride parties, or even giving Reed a hard time for getting a vehicle stuck in the mud, he was always happiest when his grandchildren were enjoying the farm. 

He is preceded in death by his parents as well as a sister, Patricia Lynn Hannum.  He will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on through his daughter and grandchildren, as well as those who were touched by his love of horses.  

A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 pm on his birthday, June 3rd, 2022, at the place he loved most:  Larry’s Stables, 315 Johnson Road, Kent, Ohio.  All are welcome to join for the sharing of stories, fellowship, food and music- a true celebration of Larry’s amazing life.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation or the Ohio Quarter Horse Foundation.  Children, education and horses- three of his greatest passions.  

Caring and Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Crown Hill Funeral Home, Twinsburg.

Condolences may be left on Larry’s memorial page at www.hinefh.com.