Lawrence (Larry) A. Colo, 83, of Palmetto, FL, formerly of Geneseo, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2022. Cremation rites have been accorded by AM Cremation & Funeral Care, Palmetto, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Antique Engine & Tractor Association, 13451 IL HWY 92, Geneseo, IL 61254. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Antique Engine & Tractor Association, PO Box 112, Geneseo, IL, 61254, St. Malachy Elementary School, 595 E. Ogden Avenue, Geneseo, IL, 61254, Genesis Health Services Foundation, 1227 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport, IA, and Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 North Ridge, Chicago, IL, 60660.
Larry was born May 13, 1938, to Lawrence and Dora Colo, in Des Moines, IA. He graduated from Lincoln High School, Des Moines, where he met his future wife, Norma. They were married 63 years. Larry got his start in the railroad industry as a conductor on the Rock Island Lines railroad. Larry’s enterprising spirit then led him to farming in Henry County Illinois. Larry’s love for the railroad industry then led to the creation of L.A. Colo & Sons, a railroad track contracting business, which he and his wife, Norma, successfully operated for many years. After several successful years with L.A. Colo & Sons, Larry and Norma sold the business to become investors and play an active role in the development of Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC, an ethanol production facility in Annawan, IL.
Some of Larry’s many interests and activities included boating, horse racing, stock car racing, RVing, spending time at the Midwest Old Threshers, Mt. Pleasant, IA, and Antique Engine & Tractor Association, Geneseo, IL. He also thoroughly enjoyed his social time with friends catching up for hours at local coffee and restaurant establishments in the Geneseo and surrounding area. Larry had high regard for various medical foundations because of his long-term heart conditions. His philanthropic interests led him to support the Aquatic Center and Emergency Room at Hammond-Henry Hospital, Geneseo, IL, as well as the Genesis Foundation in Davenport, IA.
Those left to cherish the wonderful memories and witticisms he enjoyed bestowing upon them include his wife Norma, children Deb (Kurt) Wirth, Pat (Robin) Colo, Lori (Dan) Jones, Dave (Christa) Colo; grandchildren Amy (Steve) Sherman, Ryan (Mallory) Wirth, John (Yolanda) Wirth, Jason (Amy) Colo, Ashley (Justin) Gray, Nick (Kortney) Jones, Courtney Jones, Josh Jones, Dylan (Erika) Colo, Jessica (Jake) Simon; great grandchildren Anna, Nicholas, Wyatt, Lela, Archer, Clementine, Matilda, Sheffield, Osborne, Marshall, Griffin, Hallie, Taytem, and Charlotte. Nephew Mike (Rhonda) Carnes.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Dora Colo and his sister Madeleine (Jack) Carnes, Des Moines, IA.