CHATHAM — Larry Coleman Ratliff, 80, formerly of Clinton and Chatham, passed away peacefully at Primrose Retirement Community of Decatur on Monday, May 28, 2018.

Larry was born on October 3, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Raymond Ecton and Minnie Elizabeth Owens Ratliff. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ray, Ron, and Ray Edward Ratliff.  

Larry met his future wife, Marilyn Marie Bumgarner, as students in a one room school house called Mt. Zion. They were friends since the fifth grade. They were married on September 4, 1959. Larry retired from Illinois Power at their Nuclear Power Plant in Clinton after 24 years of service as a Quality Engineer. Larry is a member of First Christian Church of Clinton and former member and deacon of Chatham Baptist Church.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn of Decatur; his son, Gregory (Vicky) Ratliff of Chatham; daughters Susan (Kenneth) Klein, Leslie (Bob) Gwozdz and Lynn Flowers all of Clinton; grandchildren, Kiersten (Jon) Goff, Merle, Courtney, and Cheyenne Klein, Kayla, Kiel, and Kasey Gwozdz, Jabin and Chase Flowers; great-grandchildren Sophia and Cora Goff; brother, Ken (Fran) Ratliff and sister-in-law, Betty Ratliff of Phoenix, AZ.

His family will greet friends on Friday, June 1, 2018 from 12 Noon pm until the time of the funeral ceremony at 2 pm at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. The Celebration Service will be officiated by Pastor Greg Taylor of First Christian Church of Clinton.

 Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church Benevolence Fund, 100 North Jackson Street, Clinton, Illinois, 61727.

Please visit www.StaabPolk.com to leave condolences and share your memories.