Lawrence Thornton “Larry” Comer, Jr
Lawrence Thornton “Larry” Comer, Jr, 86, of Lucasville, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth.
He was born March 14, 1939 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Lawrence T. Comer Sr. and Jessie J. Van Hoose Comer. Larry was a 1957 Valley High School graduate, where he was voted captain of Valley’s 1957 championship basketball team. In addition, he was an Eagle Scout of Troop 23 Lucasville. In addition, Larry worked as a counselor at Camp Oyo during the 1950s. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education and his Master’s degree in School Administration from Marshall University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha social fraternity, Phi Omega Phi Business Honorary, and Boy Scout Honorary.
Larry retired after 38 years in education, including 32 years as an administrator at Valley Schools. During his teaching career, he was privileged to send six students to take the Algebra 11 state tests, with five placing in the top 15 in the southeast district. He also coached Valley JV team for one year before moving on to administration. A fine group of students compiled a 14-2 record amd a county division 11 championship. He was a former board member of many years with Scioto Residential Services, a member of the Lucasville Kiwanis and Lucasville Historical Society, Camp Oyo Alumni Association, past member of the Portsmouth Elks and Elks Country Club, and a 50 year member of Lucasville Lodge #465. Larry was a member of Emmanuel Church in Lucasville and was an active volunteer in their food booth at the Scioto County Fair.
Larry loved Lucasville, Valley Schools, and the Valley Indians. While Principal at Valley, he served as senior sponsor for many years, taking seniors to the World’s Fair and many trips to Cedar Point. Larry wished to thank all the teachers who worked under his supervision as principal for 32 years, for their hard work and many accomplishments.
He also loved the annual Lucasville Canadian fishing trips started in 1957 with special friends Dick Howard, Jon Violet, Joe Malone, Tom Brant, and Harold Lewis. Larry and his wife also enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to travel to many points of interest in the United States and beyond.
In retirement, Larry enjoyed fishing, gardening, annual trips to Hilton Head, and visiting his grandchildren in North Carolina.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Comer, and his brother-in-law, David Bibbey.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Hoff Comer, who he married August 6, 1961 in Clendenin, West Virginia; his daughter, Melainie (Tony) Christopher of Lucasville; his son, Jeff (Nicole) Comer of North Carolina; his sister, Melissa Bibbey of Lucasville; and four grandchildren, Alexandra (Rusty) Martin, Christina (Guy Flynt) Comer, Jacob (Teresa) Comer, and Aaron Comer.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Emmanuel Church in Lucasville, with Mike Musser officiating. Burial will follow in Lucasville Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the McKinley Funeral Home in Lucasville, and an hour before the services on Thursday at the church.
The family wishes to thank Southern Ohio Medical Center and SOMC Staff for their care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio, 45662 or to the Valley Alumni Association, care of Terri Gregory, 206 Judy Lane, Lucasville, Ohio 45648.
