Former Atascocita Businessman Larry Krueger AKA "Doc" Passes Away

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Former Atascocita businessman and Patton Village resident Larry Krueger, who was known about the Humble area simply as "Doc," died Monday night in a Springfield area hospital. Doc, who came to Texas by way of Illinois, Oregon, and parts in between, was known for his bright smile, a quick wit, and an iconic flat top haircut he wore for years.

But most might say he just liked to do good.

Doc, who had a life long love affair with motorcycles, or anything with an engine for that matter, had a heart for military veterans and their families. I recalled my first meeting with Doc inside his shop in 2011.

The smell of engine exhaust and motor oil mixed with the typical noises of a mechanics shop. He greeted me when I came in. I immediately took note of his friendly demeanor and that clean haircut. Being a military vet myself, I asked him if he'd ever been in uniform.

"People always ask me that," Doc said crossing his arms over his chest with a flashy grin. "It's the haircut, isn't it?"

We talked about his fundraising for local veterans, that ran the next week in the local newspaper. Like everyone else, we mostly kept up through Facebook or text messages when birthdays came about.

He talked about the Houston Texans and even the Astros, but he loved the Bears and the Cubs a lot more.

Doc was also a dad and grandpa, and often boasted about his family in Houston, Illinois and everywhere else. Doc stayed in Humble until the call of being close to his old stomping ground finally lured him home in 2018, it seemed.

He spent his last months back home and over the last few weeks had suffered with medical issues he shared with many.

On the last day of March, Doc shared his last Facebook post demonstrating concern for his own health and well being.

"Life is real folks. I pray they figure this one out quick," he said.

Doc left his earthly life the next night and left behind a multitude of shocked family and friends, many who'd just begun to reconnect with him when he returned to Illinois.

Friends and family expressed their disbelief in a multitude of public posts, as well as texts and calls to those far away family members. Those who'd known Doc in Houston and Humble shared their memories of his kindness while others shared their stories of Doc and his faith.

"We are overwhelmed and appreciative by the amount of good wishes and stories of our beloved Larry," his niece Nora Wilson said.

Funeral arrangements for Larry "Doc" Krueger are pending.

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