Larry Clouse

Tell City, Indiana

William Larry Clouse, 77, passed away on November 2, 2024, of natural causes.

Affectionately known as Larry to his friends, he was born to Robert and Mary Christine (Dant) Clouse on a small farm in Daviess County, Kentucky. His upbringing in a four-room farmhouse was filled with family, love, and hard work. Larry told stories about having to cut holes in the ice so that their cows could drink from the ponds plus, the many summers he spent stripping tobacco and hanging it in barns to dry.

After high school, Larry was drafted into United States Army during the Vietnam War and was injured by grenade shrapnel while serving his country proudly. He reminisced fondly upon his jungle training in Hawaii where he drove jeeps partially submerged in the ocean, parachuted from planes, and laughed about the time he fell asleep on the beach receiving a sunburn severe enough he ended up spending an extra week in Hawaii recovering.

He was a proud steelworker for 42 years at National Southwire Aluminum (later Century Aluminum), a member of local USWA 9423, where he received several awards and upon retirement in 2011 was praised for his dedication, skillfulness, and knowledge of his craft.

On May 29, 1971, Larry married Darla (Powers) Clouse and in 1982 they adopted two amazing boys, Jamey Clouse (California) and Jerry Clouse (Florida). Larry had said, “My favorite time in my life was when my children were young. Getting to raise them and being a father was something I truly loved.”

Larry enjoyed cooking, fishing, listening to 70's rock, dogs, working on cars, maintaining his lawn, watching westerns, Indiana University Basketball, and NASCAR. During his teen years Larry raced automobiles and would affectionately tell stories about the time he got a car stuck in a tree and the summers he spent in Chicago with his uncle where he watched livestock car races and football games.

A lifelong Dale Earnhardt fan, Larry collected racing memorabilia and was fortunate enough to spend some time in the pit during a Brickyard 400 race while Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was driving.

Larry was a fan of dirty jokes, often ready with a quick alliteration or crass quip that would make you blush. As a teen he lost the tip of his middle finger in a grain elevator and would even show it to you upon request. He loved spending time in taverns chatting with friends at the bar, experiencing new drinks, playing pool, and eating pub food including daily breakfast sandwiches and his beloved breaded mushrooms.

He brimmed while buying comical thematic tchotchkes and added his own eccentric flare to many houses he owned. As a young man, Larry enjoyed spending time with his children at their ballgames, walking trails with them behind the flood wall in Cannelton, taking his kids to arcades and teaching them how to fish, shoot guns and play sports.

Larry was a provider that above all else made sure his family was taken care of. A strong father and husband that filled every Christmas with memorable events. Whether it was because your entire wish list was under the tree, he had smoked a gigantic ham, or due to the massive containers of popcorn and beef jerky he shared with his family... Larry cherished watching people enjoy his gifts. Larry was loved.

William Larry Clouse was predeceased by his brothers Richard Clouse, Eddie Clouse, and Gary Clouse. He is survived by his wife Darla Clouse, sons Jamey Clouse and Jerry Clouse, as well as his sisters Martha Young, Pat Fogle, Carol Head, Sharon Hayden and his brothers Paul Clouse and Don (Lisa) Clouse.

In accordance with Larry's wishes, no services will be held. Huber Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to River’s Edge Animal Shelter.

Condolences may be left at www.huberfuneralhome.net