Larry L. Conely

Larry Lee Conely, 76, of Lexington, was a quiet man who cast a giant shadow. He passed away at his home Friday, October 28, 2022, after a brave fight against cancer. Born on June 23, 1946, in Sandusky, MI, Larry was the son of the late Harry and Dorothy (Stone) Conely. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon (Busha) Conely, his daughter Kimberly Varner and her husband, Mike Varner, four grandchildren Nathan, Elizabeth and Bradley Varner and Colin Conely Degnore, and two sisters, Elaine Briolot and Marsha Conely. Larry was preceded in death by his beloved son, Nicholas Marshal Conely. After graduating from Croswell-Lexington High School, Larry joined the United States Marine Corp where he rose to rank of sergeant. He was severely injured in an ambush during the Viet Nam War and spent months in the hospital recovering from his injuries. He received several military honors, including the Purple Heart. After his military service, Larry went on to graduate from the College For Creative Studies in Detroit and began a long, successful career in advertising. As an art director and creative director, he helped drive award winning work at some of the leading agencies in Detroit including Campbell-Ewald, Young & Rubicam, Wunderman and MRM/McCann. His keen eye and meticulous attention to detail earned him national and international advertising awards, including an Emmy. In 1985, his reputation as an exceptional creative leader, led Wunderman to choose Larry to establish a creative department for the agency in Adelaide, Australia. He and his family lived there for two years before returning to the states. For all the accolades and awards that he earned, Larry’s favorite role was that of mentor. He loved helping people. Their job at the agency didn’t matter. He was always giving and generous with his time for anyone who wanted to learn. He was a rare talent, a strong, compassionate leader who never showed anger, never raised his voice. He had such a calm, yet commanding presence that he didn’t have to. His goal was always to make the individual and the work the best they could be and people recognized that. Outside of work, Larry was an engaging person and a masterful woodworker who created many beautiful pieces for his family and friends. Above all, he was a humble person, who loved his family and friends and never sought recognition for his philanthropy and kindness toward others. He will be missed by all those whose hearts he touched through the years. He will not be forgotten. Larry will be honored, by many friends and coworkers, in a celebration of his life, next week and by his family, this coming July.

Larry L. Conely

June 23, 1946 - October 28, 2022