AVA - Lawrence Louis (Larry) Ehlers, 86, of Ava, passed away at 7:40 am, Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the Chester Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Chester, Illinois. Lawrence was born in Campbell Hill, Illinois on September 29, 1928, the son of Louis C. and Melsena D. Joritz Ehlers. He married Elizabeth Jean (Betty) Kleckner on December 4, 1954 at Campbell Hill, Illinois. He was a retired Mechanic from Captain Coal Mine. Lawrence was a veteran of the US Army, 2nd Armored Division. He was a member of the St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill; the Campbell Hill American Legion Post #1096; the Alma Lodge #497 A.F. & A.M., Steeleville, Illinois; and he was the Mayor of Campbell Hill for 18 years from the Mid 70s until the early 90s. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Elizabeth J. (Betty) Ehlers of Ava; one son, Curtis Dean (Kate) Ehlers of Murphysboro; one daughter, Linda Jo (Jerry) Smith of Murphysboro; grandchildren, Jeremiah and Samantha Smith;2 Step Grandchildren: Angela (Sergio) Feal of Florida and Sarah (Chris) Morber of Murphysboro; 4 Great Grandchildren and one sister, Lucille Kloth of Campbell Hill. Lawrence was preceded in death by his Parents and one brother, Harold Dean Ehlers. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 19 2015 at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill with Rev. Matt Kamprath officiating. Burial will follow at St. Luke's Lutheran Cemetery, Campbell Hill. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5 pm until 8 pm Thursday and on Friday from 7:30 am until 9 am then from 10 am until 11 am at the church. Memorials may be given to Shriner's Hospital for Children.