Asheville, North Carolina - Larry Francis "Deek" Wimer, 78, of Asheville, North Carolina, and formerly of New Wilmington and Volant, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly of natural causes April 5, 2026, at Mission Hospital ER, Asheville, North Carolina.

Deek was born Aug. 30, 1947, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Lawrence County, to Stanley T. Wimer and Helen M. Black Wimer.

He was happily married to Karen L. Cooper, who resides at their residence in Asheville, North Carolina.

Deek graduated from Wilmington High School in 1965.

He was a proud member of the U.S. Marines Reserve for six years.

He retired in 2006 from Blair Strip Steel in New Castle, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a purchasing agent.

Deek was a faithful member of the New Castle Elks Lodge #69 and The Fraternal Order of Eagles #733.

Deek was a gentleman, loved people and was very generous to others. When he was out, he would never let anyone else pay the tab. He was a wonderful friend to many! He loved golf, was an avid basketball enthusiast and enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. He loved riding his motorcycle at "Bike Week" in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he met up with old friends.

Survivors include his wife, Karen, at home; stepson, Bart (Stacie) Jones of Black Mountain, North Carolina; sister, Patricia "Patty" Gerber of New Wilmington; niece, Candis Schiek; nephew, Kyle Wimer; stepgrandchildren, Jack and Clay Jones, Chris Evans, Noelle Northrup and Bobbi Jones; his last living uncle, Frank Telesz; cousin, Chris (Marvin) Siddell; sister-in-law, Renata Hall; and numerous other cousins, all whom he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Garrie Wimer and Jim Black; and great-niece, Delanee Schiek.

There will be a public graveside service for Deek at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Slippery Rock Cemetery with Pastor Jim Lewis, retired pastor, of Butler presiding. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude's, www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are by Smith Funeral Home of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.