Lawrence Hollingsworth; Retired Postmaster

Lawrence “Larry” Hollingsworth, former postmaster at the Oak View Post Office, died Monday in a Ventura hospital following a brief illness. He was 77.

Hollingsworth was born Jan. 14, 1920, in Cleveland, N.D. He moved to Ventura with his family when he was 4. He graduated from Ventura College in 1940, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then went to work for the U.S. Postal Service. When he retired in 1977, he held the position of postmaster.

“He was someone everyone loved--he was always willing to help someone in need,” said his daughter, Jean Brazeel, of Buttonwillow, Calif. “He had a good sense of humor too. He was always teasing someone and making people laugh.”

Hollingsworth enjoyed gardening and was known for growing corn and asparagus.

“You could always tell which was my parents’ house as you drove up because you could see the cornstalks,” Brazeel said.

Hollingsworth was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Ventura and took an interest in many civic organizations and charities. He was a member of Elks Lodge No. 1430, Saticoy Lions Club, the National Assn. of Retired Federal Employees and the Easter Seal Society.

In addition to Brazeel, Hollingsworth is survived by his wife of 35 years, Bernice; another daughter, Laurie Harmon of Bakersfield; one sister, Doris Holden of Ventura; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ventura, with the Rev. Donald Loomer officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ventura Building Fund, 426 S. Mills Road, Ventura 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.