NORWAY — Larry Litchfield Sr. of Sumner, cashed in his chips after a long illness on Monday, Jan. 28, at Stephens Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.

The eldest son of the late Walter and Carolyn Morrill Litchfield, Larry was born Jan. 12, 1940, and raised and educated in Weymouth, Mass. He moved to Maine in 1965. Many people also knew him as Big Lars or “Dancing Bear” and no local dance or celebration was complete without his performance of “Walking the Dog.”

Larry’s love of games of chance, especially poker, was legendary. Foxwoods, Hollywood Slots and the Oxford Casino were some of his favorite places to be. He loved his large, extended family and wide circle of friends. He was proud of his property’s spacious well-groomed lawn and vegetable and flower gardens. His favorite gathering was the annual Labor Day family reunion, which brought together Litchfield and Morrill relatives and friends from near and far.

Larry worked for H.E. Sargent Co. for 37 and a half years, retiring in 2005 due to ill health. He became known throughout the neighborhood as the self-appointed “neighborhood watcher,” patrolling the area in his little blue buggy. He was a 40-year member of the Evening Star Lodge 147 in Buckfield and the Sumner Volunteer Fire Department.

Larry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; their four children, Larry Jr. and his wife, Kim, Gary and his companion, Debbie, Karen and her husband, Bill Heald and Bill and his companion, Kelly; brothers, Allan and Wally and his wife, Lorraine; sister, Linda Richardson and her husband, Junie; sisters-in-law, Deborah Litchfield and Gloria Litchfield; mother-in-law, Evelyn Chamberlain; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a countless number of friends.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Wayne and Kevin; and his son, Joseph.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.