Larry Gene Cambron

Larry Gene Cambron, 86, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born on June 29, 1940, in Daviess County to the late Jimmy and Ruth Cambron.

Larry lived a full life centered around the things he loved most—his family, his faith, “the shop,” racing, and the many friendships he made along the way.

As a teenager, Larry began working at Cambron Body Shop, known to generations of family, employees, and friends simply as “the shop.” The family business was founded in 1922 by his grandfather, who started out working on horse-drawn buggies. What began as a job for Larry as a young man became a lifelong passion and an important part of who he was. The shop was more than a business to Larry; it was a gathering place, a family tradition, and a place where countless stories were told and friendships were made. He loved the people who worked alongside him and considered his loyal employees part of his family.

Larry also had a lifelong love for racing. He began racing in the 1950s and eventually became involved in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). From 1988 to 2006, he proudly sponsored the racing team for which his son Dester competed. Some of Larry’s greatest memories were made around cars and racetracks, but what made those experiences most meaningful was sharing them with his children. Whether at the shop, at the track, or on another adventure, Larry wanted his family alongside him.

Those who knew Larry also knew he never lacked for a good story—and he was always happy to tell one. He loved people, enjoyed a good conversation, and had a well-known fondness for shopping. Larry had a way of making life interesting, and there was rarely a dull moment when he was around.

Beyond his business and racing, Larry believed deeply in serving others. His faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of First Baptist Church for 86 years and served as a Gideon. He was also a member of G.A. Hodges Whitesville Masonic Lodge #297. In recognition of his service to others and to the Commonwealth, Larry was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel.

For all the things Larry enjoyed in life, nothing meant more to him than his family. He dearly loved Jane, his wife and best friend of 64 years, and he took tremendous pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Larry was extraordinarily generous, and anyone who knew him knew how much joy he found in giving. He loved finding gifts and treasures for the people he cared about, often simply because he wanted them to know he was thinking of them. But his generosity went far beyond the things he gave—Larry was generous with his time, his stories, his friendship, and, most of all, his love.

Larry leaves behind a lifetime of memories: days at the shop, weekends at the racetrack, stories told and retold, gifts given, laughs shared, and countless moments with the people he loved. His presence will be deeply missed, but the life he built, the traditions he passed down, and the love he gave so freely will remain with his family for generations to come.

Along with his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Phyllis Burdette; his daughter, Cyndi Cambron; and his brothers-in-law, Michael Copeland and Eddie Ford.

Larry is survived by the love of his life, Jane Russell Cambron; four sons, Drs. Laurence “Del” (Kathi) Cambron of Henderson, Nevada, Dester (Jamie) Cambron of Philpot, Jason (Cebele) Cambron of Louisville, and Brandon Franklin of Nashville, Tennessee; a daughter, Kim (Bruce) Wells of Owensboro; six grandchildren, Russell (Nicole) Wells, Lacey (Jeff) August, Jordan (Will) Strahan, Jessica (Elliott) Whitworth, Sarah Cambron, and Lauren Cambron; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Patty Ford of Henderson, Kentucky, Kay (Scott) Richmond of Louisville, and Paula (Avery) Wedding of Owensboro; his stepmother, Lyndal Cambron of Owensboro; and his loyal employees at the shop, whom he loved dearly and considered family. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, members of his Sunday school class, and dear friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart and will cherish the memories they shared with him.

A funeral service for Larry will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with Bob Farmer officiating. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be left for the family of Larry Cambron at www.glennfuneralhome.com.