Laurence (Larry) Helwig was born in St. Louis, MO and grew up in the Springfield area. He lettered in golf at ELHS, where he graduated in 1964. He then gained a bachelors degree from the State University of New York and a masters in special education from Nova Southeastern University.

Larry's career came in three different parts. He owned and operated two familly restaurants in Oregon; then he was a real estate agent in Marysville, Washington; and finally he was co-owner of a golf pro shop. He also worked in networking programs in Lee County, FL, and taught special education at schools in FL and GA. 

Larry leaves his wife, Pam; three daughters; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaugjter.