Lawrence J. “Larry” “Laws” Lahr, 81, of Chambersburg, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2025 at Doey’s House, Hagerstown, MD. Born on March 19, 1944 in Toledo, OH, he was a son of the late Clarence “Larry” and Josephine Rosenbrook Lahr.
Among his many accomplishments, Larry earned both his bachelor’s degree and his MBA from Shippensburg University. He had a long career as a highly respected professional land planner beginning at Nassaux-Hemsley in Chambersburg where his first desk was a door on sawhorses,and he would let the phone ring many times so clients thought he was very busy. Classic Larry. Later there was Statler-Lahr which they started in a remodeled firehouse on Bedford St.in Carlisle. As his client base and workload grew, so did his interest in development and he decided to venture out on his own (always with Barbara right by his side) to pursue development opportunities. Larry later earned a certificate in golf course design from Harvard University. The projects Larry was part of, or influenced, is too numerous to list, and doing so would be contrary to his humility. However, some of the notable ones of which he was extremely proud of include White Church Manor, Mayapple Golf Links, Majestic Ridge Golf Course, North Square Downtown Chambersburg.
The most important things in Larry’s life in addition to his career were family, music, learning and golf.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara Sluser Lahr, whom he married on October 6, 1966; three children, Chris (Andrea) Lahr of Berlin, MD, Tucker (Beth) Lahr of Chambersburg, and Molly (Danny) Schwarz of Hood River, OR; brother Jack Lahr of Annapolis, MD, sister Suzanne Benson of Silver Spring, MD, and brother Mike Lahr of Carlisle, PA. He will also be deeply missed by his 10 grandchildren (Brandt, Jake, Joseph, Ryder, Atley, Lucas, Ella, Dane, Cassady, Whit) and 3 greatgrandchildren, (Ruby, Keller, Henry). He was preceded in death by a brother, Dewitt “Dick” Lahr.
A memorial visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Friday, September 12, in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home 333 Falling Spring Road Chambersburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doey’s House at https://hospiceofwc.org/giving/donate-now or by check payable to Hospice of Washington County and mailed to Hospice of Washington County 1710 Underpass Way, Suite 300 Hagerstown, MD 21740. Condolences memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.
