Larry Allen Benns

LARRY ALLEN BENNS was born March 8, 1956 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Bernard Benns and Hattie M. Reedus. Larry was the lone son surrounded by four sisters. LARRY grew up on the near northeast side of Indy and attended Indianapolis Public Schools - IPS #26; IPS #110 and Arsenal Technical High School. He received his diploma from Day Adult High School.

LARRY professed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Eastern Star Baptist Church, where our family have been members for more than 60 years. Larry was a member of the Junior Usher Board and the Junior Choir.

At a very young age LARRY became interested in music. Well before the age of 10, LARRY received his first drum set . . . after he had already destroyed some of the woodwork and furniture in the home with his constant “drumming” wherever sound and beats could be made. (Of course, that drum set didn’t last long!) Music was an integral part of LARRY’S family as he watched and looked up to his uncles – Earmon Hubbard, jazz pianist and Freddie Hubbard, jazz trumpeter, as well as his aunt Mildred Brooks-Pence who was a pianist and a classically trained songstress. As a young boy, LARRY was fixated on making music as he paired with neighbor Ricky Knox for practice sessions. As a teen, he enjoyed a short stint with the 1970’s funk band “Manchild”. LARRY was a member of other local funk bands in Indianapolis, Funkafize and Sky, and was called upon by bands visiting Indy from Chicago and other nearby cities to perform with them. LARRY expanded his musical reach by learning to play piano and the guitar. LARRY had a beautiful voice and embraced the call to sing at our family birthday gatherings and celebrations. One of his favorite songs was, “My Soul Has Been Anchored” by Douglas Miller.

LARRY, when not playing or practicing, would graciously spend time giving drum lessons to those interested in learning. When Shortridge High School started a jazz curriculum for their magnet program, he joined as an assistant to the director. He and his colleagues realized early success when, in the first year, they took their Indianapolis Magnet Performing Arts Jazz Band to an all-city contest at Indiana University Bloomington and won! They also worked with students in a Broad Ripple High School band that won a state competition. In his three years with the magnet program, his teaching and lessons extended beyond drummers to all musicians in the band because “no one can teach rhythm better than a drummer.” LARRY also worked various jobs in the customer service industry. His last work assignment was with Crown Hill Cemetery as a Telemarketing Appointment Setter which he enjoyed. Shortly after his tenure there his health began to decline.

LARRY was easy-going, quiet, and low-key, but could be a character on occasion. He loved his family and he loved music . . . and he loved him some chicken! LARRY departed this life on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his father Benard Benns and his mother Hattie Reedus. He is survived by his four sisters – Edwena Campbell (San Diego, CA), Sharon Hannon, Phyllis Reedus, and LouWanna Brown (J. Al Brown). He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and special friend Loretta Peters.