October 12, 1939 – March 23, 2026
Larry Gilbert Sipes, 86, of Bedford, passed away on March 23, 2026, at his residence.
Born October 12, 1939, he was the son of Merlin Gilbert and Martha Elizabeth (Taylor) Sipes. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1958. He then served in the United States Army from 1959-1961 as a Nuclear Weapons Tech stationed in Germany.
On March 16, 1962, Larry married Judith Kay McDowell. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on Monday, March 16, 2026. They were the parents of three children, Kimberly, Chris, and Steven (Stephanie), all of Bedford.
Larry began working at Stone City Bank in 1962 as a teller. By 1970, at the age of 33, he was made President of Stone City Bank. He began working at Bedford National Bank in July of 1974 and served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He retired from Bank One in 1995 as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Larry was a Founding Board Member of the Lawrence County Community Foundation. He also served on the Board for the Bedford Regional Medical Center for several years, as well as the Board of Directors for Hoosier Upland Agency. He was invited to Washington DC to serve on a Congressional Sub Committee for Banking Reform at the United States Treasury Department.
After his retirement, Larry and Judy enjoyed traveling to Europe, where he was able to return to the military base he was stationed at in Germany. He loved his work, and walking the farm with his beloved dogs Jesse, Shadow, and Daisy.
Larry enjoyed playing sports in high school, especially baseball and track. He loved watching his sons play sports when they were in high school. Larry was also a licensed pilot and loved all things to do with flying.
Larry deeply loved his family, who deeply loved him as well. He was a hardworking, kind man who was proud to serve his country. He will be missed immensely.
He is survived by his wife, Judith; children, Kimberly, Chris, and Steven; Brother and sister-in-laws, Ricky and Gaye Ann Stewart, Jon and Shawna McDowell, Jim and Karen McDowell; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister JoAnn (Sipes)Kubina, a brother Opal Elzworth Sipes, sister-in-law Sherry (Williams)Sipes, and a brother Ronald Dale Sipes.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary, with Dr. Dennis D. Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the American Legion Gillen Post #33. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to the hour of service on Saturday.
Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
