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FDCC Meetings - Looking Behind
long been a supporter of projects
that have enriched the lives of the
community’s children including
improving school district special
projects and YMCA expansion of its
facilities and programs.
As Ed Hightower, former NCAA
basketball referee, Edwardsville
school superintendent, and a
respected community leader,
noted, “Larry’s commitment to
our community has not only built
lasting bonds but has also created
a legacy of unity and progress that
continues to inspire us all.”
Madison County State’s Attorney
Thomas A. Haine, the son of Bill
Haine, a former Illinois Senator,
Vietnam Vet, and lifelong friend of
Larry shared that Bill Haine always
told his son, “Be what right looks
like.” Tom shared, “Larry Hepler is
what right looks like, both as a legal
professional, in our community,
and as a family man.” Larry is what
“right” looks like.
Beth recalled in her remarks a
time when Larry was days away
from beginning trial in a major
class action fraud matter and
needed help with some relief from
the Illinois Supreme Court. Beth
was a lawyer at the firm who was
available but did not work together
with Larry regularly. Beth had only
been at the firm a few months.
Larry did not summon Beth to his
office and instead came to Beth’s.
On the way, he stopped to learn
something about Beth because
his first words were to Beth were
to ask how she was settling into
private practice after an appellate
court clerkship. He wanted to know
how Beth was doing as he learned
Beth’s grandfather had just passed
away, and wanted to know about
Grandpa Garrett’s time serving
in the Navy in WW2. Larry’s third
topic of conversation was related
to the trial and what was needed.
Everyone who has the privilege to
know Larry has a similar story that
demonstrates his genuine interest
in those around him.
For 58 years Larry has been a
devoted husband to Sue who we
know and love. Sue is a rock and
beautiful soul. Together Larry
and Sue raised two amazing
children, Sara and Jay. Larry is a
loving and supportive father. He
and Sue inspired excellence in
their children, who are fantastic
people and parents with successful
careers, making an impact in their
spheres of influence. Larry is a
caring grandfather to four who are
his pride and joy. He’s involved in
their lives, knows their interests,
opens his home to their friends,
and imparted to them grandfatherly
wisdom and a love of golf! Larry’s
life is a shining example of how one
can achieve greatness without ever
losing sight of what truly matters.
Beth concluded by observing that
Larry’s journey has been nothing
short of extraordinary and that he
taught her and all who know him
that excellence is not measured
solely by courtroom victories or
business successes but by the daily
influence and positive impact one
has on the lives of others around us.
Larry is the embodiment of what it
means to be a mentor, a champion,
a leader, and above all, a true friend.
The FDCC congratulates Larry
Hepler on a lifetime of unparalleled
achievements and is proud to
award Larry the FDCC Lifetime
Achievement Award.
Kile T. Turner is an FDCC Defense Counsel
member, a Senior Director on the FDCC
Board of Directors, and a Partner with
Norman, Wood, Kendrick & Turner in
Birmingham, Alabama.
Beth A. Bauer is an FDCC member
and Partner of HeplerBroom LLC in
Edwardsville, Illinois.
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