Cumberland

Larry Eugene Cumberland, 70, of Forest, Va., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, after a six-month battle with cancer.

He was the husband of 50 years to Karon Slivinske Cumberland.

Born in Butler on June 25, 1953, he was a son of the late Marshall Leonard Cumberland and Jessie Brooks Cumberland. Larry came from a blue-collar background, as his father worked in a steel mill north of Pittsburgh. Larry was proud to be able to work his way through college to earn his engineering degree at LeTourneau College.

Larry earned the rank of captain in the Marine Corps while achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a helicopter pilot. He loved serving his country and being a Marine, but due to a serious injury after a helicopter accident while flying disaster relief in the Dominican Republic, he was medically discharged.

He then began a civilian career with BWX Technologies as an engineer and later a project manager. He continued his career in the nuclear industry in Huntsville, Ala., Livermore, Calif., Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Argon National Laboratory in Chicago, Ill. He taught Sunday school throughout his life and shared his testimony of how God worked through his helicopter accident. The culmination of his professional and spiritual life inspired him to write and publish a book called God's Hard-Knock Lessons.

In addition to his wife Karon, he is survived by four children, Amber (Jared) Carpenter, Christopher (Kelly) Cumberland, Benjamin (Kati) Cumberland and Bethany Cumberland; three grandchildren, Makayla Carpenter, Colton Cumberland and Jaslyn Cumberland; and a sister, Phylliss Graham.

His children remember him for his honesty, good Christian values and a strong work ethic. He encouraged them to have goals that would direct their life choices and to keep God first in everything. Whether it was with his quick wit, humor or his ability to navigate through life's most difficult challenges, he was always there to answer the call when the family needed him.

CUMBERLAND — A celebration of life service for Larry Eugene Cumberland, who died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Chapel of Lynchburg, Va. The burial will take place in a national cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Cancer Society or a local veterans association.

HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICE AND CREMATORY, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.

Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.