Larry Henderson Mullins

Major Larry H. Mullins, age 86 of Beavercreek, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 8, 2025 at Hospice of Dayton, with his family by his side. Larry was born on January 2, 1939, in Oxford Mississippi to parents John H. Mullins and Catherine Mullins. From his early days, Larry had a strong work ethic and an academic curiosity that served him well in his very successful career.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force with a career that spanned over 52 years. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1958 and completed his Basic Training and Technical School training in Texas. In his 14 years as an enlisted Airman, he served in the United States and numerous countries in Europe and Africa. Larry was selected to attend Officer Training School at the University of Missouri (MIZZOU). In 1970, after meeting the rigorous educational requirements for the USAF Airman’s Education Commissioning Program, he was commissioned as a USAF 2nd Lieutenant.

As an Air Force officer, Larry, held multiple assignments in the United States, Germany, and Italy. His roles included Acquisition Program Manager, Acquisition Logistician, and Industrial USAF maintenance. While in Germany, Larry was stationed at Ramstein AFB as HQ USAFE’s F-4 Project Officer and Chief Maintenance Inspector.

In 1986, after 13 years in Germany, Larry was re-assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB as Deputy Program Manager for Logistics for the Mark XV IFF system and Common Avionics Systems. During this time, he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Ball State University. He retired from active duty in 1987 and continued with the Air Force as an Acquisition Management Contractor, until returning in 1991 as a DoD Government Civilian for the Litening Targeting System. These systems were used heavily in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. His superb program management skills and teamwork resulted in his team receiving the most prestigious of USAF Acquisitions awards – the John J. Welch Jr. Award.

Larry retired from the DoD in 2010 and he spent his retirement years focusing on his other passions – spending time with family and friends, restoring a classic Ford pickup truck, golf leagues, working out at the base gym and singing with Saint Luke’s choir in Beavercreek.

Larry leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Karla M. Mullins, daughter Katherine D. Mullins MD, son Michael O. Mullins PhD, brother John E. Mullins, and grandchildren Emily and Weston Del Signore. Larry also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He was a big man with a big heart who was always ready with a kind word, a quick joke, and a willingness to help anyone in need. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Details regarding his Memorial Mass at St Lukes and Burial Service at Dayton National Cemetery will be announced.