LARRY LEE LEATHERWOOD
SEPTEMBER 7, 1939 — JANUARY 2, 2026
Larry Lee Leatherwood
September 7, 1939 —
January 2, 2026
U.S. Veteran
A Servant Leader. A U.S. Veteran. A Community Builder. A Champion for Youth.
It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to beloved Larry Lee Leatherwood of Lansing, Michigan, who passed away at the age of 86, on January 2, 2026.
The imprint Larry leaves upon the hearts of his loved ones remains eternally vivid — a testament to the depth of his spirit and the richness of his legacy.
Mr. Larry L. Leatherwood, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and a true pillar of the Lansing community.
Mr. Leatherwood was a born in Peoria Illinois and later moved to Lansing in 1975. He devoted more than thirty years of service to the State of Michigan, retiring after a distinguished career in public leadership. His work reflected an unwavering commitment to equity, ethical governance, and opportunity for all. He retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation, where he served as a Liaison Officer, and previously held the position of Director of Minority Business for the Michigan Department of Commerce, advocating for inclusion and access at every level.
A proud lifelong learner, Mr. Leatherwood earned his degrees from Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University, completing a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master of Public Administration with a focus on public policy analysis. In 1985, he was selected as a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard University, where he received advanced training in leadership and governmental operations.
A man of principle and brotherhood,
Larry crossed into the Lansing Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on March 21, 1998, embracing a lifelong commitment to achievement, service, and community advocacy.
Even in retirement, his service never slowed. As President of Larry Leatherwood & Associates, he provided leadership development and governance training to school board members across Michigan. He also served for more than sixteen years as an Adjunct Consultant with the Michigan Association of School Boards, offering ethics and leadership instruction to public officials statewide.
In 2002, Mr. Leatherwood founded the Uplift Our Youth Foundation, an organization devoted to empowering at-risk youth through education and the arts. Through his vision and dedication, the foundation awarded more than $140,000 to Lansing-area youth organizations, turning belief into action and hope into opportunity.
Above all, Larry Leatherwood was a family man. He was deeply devoted to his beloved wife, Martha, with whom he shared 63 beautiful years of marriage. He was a proud father to Jeffrey and Stacy (and her husband, Will), and a loving grandfather to Samuel. His greatest joy was his family, and his greatest gift was love.
Mr. Leatherwood uplifted voices, strengthened institutions, and reminded us all that the truest measure of a life is not what one gains, but who one lifts.
Leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape lives for generations. Lansing is better because he was here. His memory lives on in every life he helped lift.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages you to donate to Uplift Our Youth. Larry Leatherwood is the founder of this non-profit organization.
LARRY LEE LEATHERWOOD
SEPTEMBER 7, 1939 — JANUARY 2, 2026
Order of Service
HOMEGOING CELEBRATION FOR MR. LARRY LEE LEATHERWOOD
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Family Hour: 10:30 AM | Service: 11:30 AM
Friendship House of Prayer
4301 S. Waverly Road, Lansing, MI
Officiating: Reverend Dr. Jeffery A. Lang, Pastor
ORDER OF SERVICE
FAMILY HOUR ................................................................ 10:30 AM
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Burial Ceremony 11:15 AM
HOMEGOING SERVICE .................................................. 11:30 AM
Processional .......................................................... Clergy and Family
Scripture Reading
Old Testament: Psalm 23
New Testament: 2 Timothy 4:7–8
Minister Fred Ford
Prayer of Comfort .................................................................. Minister
Musical Selection .....................................................Sharon Lawrence
Acknowledgements & Condolences .............................. Cathy Carson
Reading of the Obituary .............................................. (Read Silently)
Refection & Tributes (Remarks) ................................... (two minutes)
Musical Selection .....................................................Sharon Lawrence
Eulogy Reverend Dr. Jeffery A. Lang, Pastor
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. .............. Colonel James Stokes(Ret)
Memorial Certificate Presentation
Military Funeral Honors ................................ United States Air Force
Recessional ..........................................................................................
SEPTEMBER 7, 1939 — JANUARY 2, 2026
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
SEPTEMBER 7, 1939 — JANUARY 2, 2026
SEPTEMBER 7, 1939 — JANUARY 2, 2026
SEPTEMBER 7, 1939 — JANUARY 2, 2026
LARRY LEE LEATHERWOOD
SEPTEMBER 7, 1939 — JANUARY 2, 2026
Special thanks to:
• Pastor: Reverend Dr. Jeffrey A. Lang
• Friends: Myron & Dee Freeman
• Medical Team:
• Dr. Oluma (Michigan State University)
• UMich Sparrow Care Team
• Organization: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
• Funeral Home: Riley Funeral Home of Lansing
• Family Support:
• Yanice Carter
• Minnie Burton
Pallbearers:
Darrell Jones
The men of Kappa Alpha Psi, Lansing Alumni Chapter
• William Doxie
• Donovan Britain
• Gregory McKay
• James Carter
• Julian Darden
Honorary Pallbearers
Marcus Grey
Kevin Scott
Myron Freeman
Myron Frierson
Ron Hatcher
Will Cannon
Jack Hall
James Hutchins
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Uplift Our Youth Foundation, founded by Larry Leatherwood
This program honors a man of deep service, faith, family, and community impact.