Larry D. Hackenberg

Larry Donald Hackenberg passed away on the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 52. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 30, 1973, the 8th of 9 children. His childhood was spent outside with his siblings and friends, playing sports and getting into mischief if boredom ever struck. At 16, he began working at Resch's Bakery in southeastern Columbus. It was here, working in the back, that he first poked his head through the door and asked Deborah ("Debbie") Tisdale out on a date. It was an immediate love that lasted the next 35 years until his passing. Larry graduated from Walnut Ridge High School in 1991, married Debbie July 24, 1992, and they had their first daughter, Rachel Marie Hackenberg, on February 2, 1993. They would have 3 more children in the following years: Marissa Lynn Hackenberg (born March 10, 1994); Brandon Tyler Hackenberg (born August 4, 1997); and Brentin Michael Hackenberg (born December 13, 1999). To support his growing family, he picked up more work whenever and wherever he could, finally turning to truck driving as a full-time occupation. He had long stints working for Hostess and Schwebel's, and later began driving a semi-truck over the road for Wal-Mart and Ryder, winning awards for his driving and eventually turning to training new drivers. He sacrificed all of his time and his energy to providing for his family, passing onto his children a characteristic passion for -- and pride in -- hard work.

As a boy, he had a special love for baseball that he carried through his entire life. He would spend what time he could with his kids playing catch and sharing his love of the game with them. He taught his daughters how to hit and his sons how to throw curveballs (but always made sure to brag about how good he was as a kid). Larry had a particular love for the St. Louis Cardinals, turning his family into die-hard fans just like him. A generally subdued, introverted man, he often expressed himself through writings to his family, including poetry and music that he would gift to his wife and kids to share his love. As their children grew older, Larry and Debbie enjoyed traveling together, having visited all 48 continental states. They were always in search of new sights -- particularly waterfalls -- where they could take their usual selfie. The family would regularly meet for game nights, where they would play all manner of board and card games, listen to music together, and just enjoy each other's company, a tradition the family will continue to do to honor their father.

He was a remarkably selfless man who never shied away from offering help to anyone who needed it, friend or stranger. He could relate to anybody and always saw the best qualities in people. He countered their tears with humor, their anger with love, and their faults with redemption. A loving husband, father, son, brother, coach, trainer, and friend to a truly uncountable number of people, Larry's presence and laughter could fill a room. We hope memories of him and of his warmth will continue to do the same for years to come.

Larry was preceded in death by his father Larimore Donald Hackenberg. He is survived by his mother Sharon (Woods) Hackenberg; wife Deborah Dawn (Tisdale) Hackenberg; children Rachel Hackenberg, Marissa Hackenberg, Brandon (Kaydan) Hackenberg, and Brentin Hackenberg; siblings Teresa (Jack) Parsons, Ann Davis, Patty (George) Johnson, John Hackenberg, Jerome (Darlene) Staten, Kim Staten, J.C. Staten, and Angela Hackenberg; and dozens of nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory forever. 

A visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway, Grove City OH, 43123, on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Larry's family invites all extended relatives, friends and acquaintances to stop by, say farewell, and share their fondest memories of him.