Birth date: Apr 15, 1942 Death date: Dec 27, 2016
Decatur – Michael “Larry” Klugman, 74, of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Larry was born April 15, 1942 in Champaign the son of Samuel W. and Edna F. (Logue) Klugman. Larry was a founding fa Read Obituary
I was one of Larry Klugmans students back in 2016
Shawn Garner
Some people make an impact; others are a force for good and make that impact by their very presence and action. That was Larry Klugman to me. He truly was one of the good guys. I was not able to attend the memorial service at Richland in person today, but I was able to watch it. Larry Klugman is by far the reason I ask the kinds of questions I do today, almost 40 years after first meeting the man. After the first class with him I was hooked. I took every class the man taught! He made you think without trying and in the process taught you things far beyond what you would have known. His stories too about sitting at the piano at home and playing a record on the stereo, or his old Cadillac when he lived in Rantoul, or asking a classmate what that aftershave was called, 'Midnight in Maroa'?!!!. Larry had a way of putting things that was unique. I remember him writing a letter of recommendation for me when I went for a job, and telling me 'if you read this, don't believe all the stuff I put in there'. Our contact became spread out over the years but when we would run into each other we always spoke as though no time had passed. There are only a handful of teachers, professors and friends that have had such a profound influence on me. Larry was at the top of the list with only a couple of others. Rest In Peace My Friend.
Lit a candle in memory of Michael "Larry" Klugman
It is going to be difficult to create a new "normal" to life without Larry. You just always felt like he would be here forever! I met Larry in Kirksville, Mo. when he decided to attend Northeast Missouri State University. I too was a student, however I was in 5th grade and he was in College! My mother and I would get the opportunity to drop by Larry's apartment after classes or he would stop by ours to say Hi and share some of his famous Ice Tea! We lived just one building down from Larry….about 100 ft. I can remember the terrific political discussions he would have with my mother back then. They would purchase extra copies of city newspapers and news magazines just to help make their point in the conversation. No one ever changed anyone's mind but I learned from them both that there are many different ways to look at the same subject matter. His Charisma told you he was going to do some great things in his life with people! Did you ever get a chance to eat some of Larry's famous Spaghetti sauce! He made some for my Italian family and we loved it! As I grew up I lost contact with Larry as he and I both left Kirksville. However, whenever I needed a smile or a laugh I could think about what a wonderful person he was to spend time with a "kid" and to always make me feel like I was the only one in the room or area (I still have the pictures he took of me playing little league baseball because he had another new camera and he wanted to do it). I got my chance to see Larry again when he appeared at my brothers funeral in 2013. That is the kind of person he was, always thinking of others and how he could help! Then again this past summer in August of 2016 on my Birthday he bought me lunch in Decatur. I will always have these and many many more great memories of him. I was blessed to have been able to be in the presence of this remarkable man. Prayers and Love to you always Larry Klugman.
For a very brief time he was my professor. For a much longer time he was my friend. We spent many hours sitting at his kitchen table yakking about the absurdities of the world. I last saw him in 2009, but we kept in touch I am deeply sadden by his passing. I will miss looking him up when I come home to Decatur.Steve Torrens
He was a fantastic person that inspired countless people. I'll never forget the classes I had with him at Richland. I wasn't even aware I was even learning. Thank you for all the good memories and may you rest in peace.
Larry was my favorite joke-teller. When we would see one another, the first thing we always did was exchange a joke for a joke. We didn't know one another all that well, but I think we both felt a kinship in humor. I will miss his smiling face.–Larry Bakerf
I took Prof Klugman's Poly Sci classes in 1986- 1987 at RCC and he was brilliant, witty, funny, and entertaining. His classes were powerful and had an impact and because of this I met many people in politics and held state offices. I always looked forward to his insight on WAND as an adult I listened to his imput and trusted his judgement. He will be forever missed. Thank you for touching so many lives sir RIP!!!
There are not enough words to describe what a terrific, funny,caring, loving,smart,giving man larry was. And for all those words and many more, he will be missed. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Mr. Klugman was a wonderful teacher, and a all around nice man. He was like the dedicated teacher in the film, "Good By Mr. Chips". He loved Richland and teaching. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Good by Mr. Klugman we will all miss you. May you rest in peace.
