John J. Larkin Obituary (1944

John J. Larkin, age 81, of Odell, IL, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:56 a.m. at Accolade Health Care of Pontiac, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Odell, IL. A visitation will be held the night before on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. also at the church. Burial will follow the services at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Odell. Father David Sabel will be presiding over his services. Memorials in John’s memory may be made to the family. The family will use these funds to establish and support future scholarships for Pontiac FFA graduates. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with his arrangements. John was born on June 23, 1944, in Pontiac, IL, to Joe and Evelyn (Legner) Larkin. He married Constance “Connie” L. (Verdun) Larkin on April 16, 1966, at St. Paul Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on March 25, 2024. He is survived by one son: Dale (Jenny) Larkin of Pontiac, IL, three grandchildren: Jacob (Ashley) Larkin, Libby Larkin, and Emily (Wade) Tomes; two great-grandchildren: Mikayla Tomes and Dean Tomes. He is also survived by one brother: Frank Larkin; brothers and sisters-in-law: Cathy (Ron) Masching, Joan LoPiccalo, Donald Verdun, Wayne (Debbie) Verdun, and Glen (Cindy) Verdun. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son: Joe Larkin, one sister: Ann Cruise, two sisters-in-law: Mary Verdun and Pat Larkin, one brother-in-law: Jerry LoPiccalo, and two nephews: Mark Verdun and Lee Verdun. John graduated from St. Paul High School in Odell, IL. He farmed alongside his wife, Connie, for almost 60 years. His greatest joy being when son Dale joined the farming operation in 2014. John worked off the farm for Snyder Bros Trucking for many years hauling grain locally and freight over the road. John proudly served his country in the United States National Guard from May 13, 1963, to May 12, 1969. He served his community on the Union Township Board and was a volunteer EMT and Firefighter on the Odell Fire Department for many years. He was a proud lifelong member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Odell. John did not know a stranger and called everyone “lad.” Most importantly, he loved spending time with his grandkids on the farm and teaching them everything he knew so they could take over some day. It wasn’t difficult to convince Grandpa when a new toy was needed at the farm or that the grandkids needed a camper to sleep in at the lake. After retiring from the semi, John and Connie enjoyed traveling all over the world with their “down south” friends whose friendships they cherished dearly. He spent countless summer Sundays and vacations with his best friend, Dewey, at the lake behind the boats, laughing and playing pranks. A true testament that friendship spans generations and feels like family. John made so many unforgettable memories with all of his loved ones. They will forever hold those memories close and cherish them always. He will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved him. This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.