Larry, of Livonia, devoted husband and father, passed into eternal life at his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday afternoon, April 28, 2023.  He was 86 and was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago.

Larry was born March 24, 1937, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to the late Romeo and Alice (Jubenville) Desjarlais.  He married Jean M. (Nantais) on May 9, 1964, in Windsor.

In 1957, Larry joined the Windsor and Detroit-based vocal quartet, the Chantones.  The origin of The Chantones was a local singing group called the Teen Tones, formed in 1953 to compete in a youth talent contest.  As the group continued to perform at small Windsor venues, its core members were established as Larry Desjarlais, Jim Nantais (Jean's brother), Roy Lesperance, and Jack Grenier.

In 1958, Bud Davies from CKLW's Bud Davies Dance Party called the Chantones and let them know that Jack Scott was looking for backup vocals. Scott liked what he heard, and they soon recorded Scott's first big hit "My True Love."  Almost all of Scott's hit records would include The Chantones, with Larry providing the distinctive tenor voice.  The Chantones remained as a group and worked steadily recording background vocals and playing at clubs throughout Canada and large US cities like New York and Boston.  During their time together, the Chantones sang around one hundred songs, many of which were recorded with Jack Scott.

Larry had a long and prosperous career with Detroit Bank and Trust as manager of their Insurance Premium Department from 1967 -1990.  He went on to manage a similar department for the National Premium Budget Plan from 1990-1995, and again from 2001 until his 2016 retirement.

Larry had a profound love for youth athletics.  He coached his son, Gary's, entire youth baseball career and formed life-long friendships through that endeavor.  He was passionate about golf and enjoyed a low handicap throughout his life.  Moreover, he loved gardening and maintained a pristine yard that was the envy of his Livonia neighborhood.   Most importantly, Larry was a family man.  His love for, and devotion to, his wife, Jean, and son, Gary, was immeasurable.  He was a sweet, kind and approachable gentleman who loved people and will be sorely missed.  May his loving and gentle soul rest in peace.

Surviving are his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Jean; his son, Gary (Jill MacKenzie); and a host of friends and colleagues.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald (Shirley).

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Monday, May 1, from 4-8 pm.  Prayers and remembrances are planned for 7:00 pm.

Larry's funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday morning, May 2, at 10:00 am, at St. Priscilla Catholic Church, 19120 Purlingbrook Road, Livonia.  All guests are invited to remain at church for a luncheon which will immediately follow his funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to Food for the Poor .

Kindly keep Larry and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.