Vincent "Ben" Larkin

Vincent "Ben" Larkin, 90, of Earlville, Illinois passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Mendota, IL. He was born March 20, 1921 in Streator, IL the son of Edward and Margaret Green Larkin. He married Marjorie O O'Donnell Meyer on June 17, 1972 at St.Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Earlville. Ben was a lifelong farmer in Ophir and Earl Township. He was an Army Veteran of WWII, stationed in Europe, France, Germany, and Belgium with the 520th Ordinance, in maintenance of tanks and artillery, where he stood under inspection by General George Patton. He was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Earlville, where he was active in the Holy Name Society. Vincent was a previous Precinct Committeeman in Ophir Township, was on the Triumph Coop Elevator Board for 28 years, including 21 years as president. He belonged to the Ottawa Knights of Columbus, Mendota Elks Lodge #1212.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Earlville; three stepchildren, Margaret (Patrick) O'Brien of Woodstock, Gerald (Cheryl) Meyer of Earlville, and Daniel (Debra) Meyer of Galva, eleven step grandchildren, Bridget, Cara, and Patrick O'Brien, Megan (Jeremy) Cantlin, Jennifer, Christina, and Joseph, Leann, Lindsey, Carey and Cameron Meyer and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, Edward, Walter, William, John, James, Richard, Robbie, and Robert; two sisters, Monica Corrigan and Margaret Larkin.