Larry W. "Hoot" Gribble, age 69, of New Philadelphia, died early Wednesday, December 17, 2008, in his home following a sudden illness.A son of the late Hans and Jane (Weber) Gribble, Larry was born on October 19, 1939, at New Philadelphia.During the early 1940's, Larry's family relocated to the Coshocton area where his father owned and operated Gribble & Son's Meat Market for many years.Following graduation from Coshocton High School, Larry entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country as a member of the First Force Recon Company, a Paratrooper, and learned to become a skilled survivalist.It was through his survival training that Larry learned his respect and appreciation for the outdoors. He was an avid game hunter and fisherman. In fact, Larry spent every summer at the Gribble cabin on Shiner's Lake, at Ontario, Canada. It was in nature that Larry felt most at home and comfortable.For many years, he was employed by the former Reeves Steel Company at Dover, Ohio and later retired from there so that he could enjoy more time with family and friends. Many would say that Larry never met a stranger. He was a great communicator, always saw the good in people, and got everyone "Programmed in". He was an expert in unconditional love.It was Larry's humility that enabled him to help those that he encountered and was always willing to give anyone the shirt off his back or to help someone who was less fortunate than he to get back on their feet.Larry was a member of the Carl C. Stoller VFW Post 1445 at New Philadelphia as well as the New Philadelphia Amvets Post 1338.Family and togetherness was very important to Larry and for many years he worked at ensuring family gatherings were inclusive to all. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Betty Gribble, of the home, four children; Scott (Misty) Gribble of Indiana, Beth (Dave) Nixon of Warsaw, Mary (Jeff) Long of Tuscarawas, and Susie (Andy) Liptak of Green; two brothers, Jim (Jeane) Gribble and Bob (Bonnie) Gribble both of Loudonville; a sister-in-law, Anita (Mike) Gribble-Cummings, of Virginia; as well as an aunt, Betty Weber of New Philadelphia.Eleven grandchildren, Ryan Nixon, Haylee (Jonathan) Atwood, Lindy Nixon, Josh Gribble, Jake Gribble, Shane Long, Austin Long, Lauren Long, Ashley Liptak, Holly Liptak, and Emily Liptak; two great-grandchildren, Drake Atwood and Dezlynn Atwood, as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by a brother, Dick Gribble.The family will receive friends on Friday, December 19, 2008, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Jeff Cooper will lead a service celebrating Larry's life in the funeral home's chapel on Saturday, December 20, 2008, at 10:30 AM. The Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the VFW will render military honors following the service.Following services, the family would like to invite guests to join them for a time of food and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home.In keeping with Larry's generosity and kindness toward all, the family requests that contributions be made in his memory to a charity of the donor's choice.