Former Lutheran Hour Ministries Executive Director Laurence E. "Larry" Lumpe of St. Louis, Missouri, died November 3. He served two stints as LHM's executive director, from 1989-1996 and 2007-2009.
From the moment Lumpe first became involved with the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) as an elected member of its Board in 1973, he left his mark on LHM's ministry through various volunteer and staff roles spanning nearly a half century. In addition to 14 years on the Int'l LLL Board of Governors as vice president, treasurer, financial secretary, and chair/member of many committees, he also served LHM beyond his time as executive director as a part-time gift planning counselor for major gifts and volunteer trustee for The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation.
"Larry was a true servant of the Lord who worked tirelessly to make sure that LHM always shared the story of the one hope of all human beings everywhere—Jesus Christ, Our Savior—in ways people can understand," says LHM President & CEO Kurt Buchholz. "The staff and volunteers who were blessed to work with Larry recall with fondness his calm presence and quick smile. I am grateful for the legacy of leadership he left to us all. We pray for peace and comfort for his family and friends."
After three decades in the banking industry including serving as president of five banks, president of the Missouri Bankers Association, and on the governance committee of the American Bankers Association in Washington, D.C., Lumpe decided to devote his time and efforts over the last several decades into full-time service to his Lord.
In addition to his work with LHM, he served as a Board member for Heit's Point Lutheran Ministries, spent time as an estate planner and director of development for the Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), and held several roles with Concordia Historical Institute (including Board president and executive director). He was honored by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 2012 with the Christus Vivit Award given to a layperson or church professional whose life exemplifies "an evident and sustained devotion to the Lord and a diligent and effective use of gifts in support of the church and its mission."
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Carol. He is survived by his three children, Patricia (Bruce) Hawkins, Cherri (Marvin, dec.) Waites, and Loren (Edith) Lumpe, as well as five grandchildren.